Damian Shiels's Blog, page 22

Photography Focus: The 69th New York State Militia & 9th Massachusetts at Mass

Perhaps the two most famous images of Catholic Mass being celebrated during the American Civil War are those of the 69th New York State Militia and 9th Massachusetts Infantry exposed in 1861. Though these photographs are very familiar to us, the high-resolution versions provided by the Library of Congress Civil War Glass Negatives and Related Prints collection allows us to delve deeper into the body of these images, picking out specific elements in finer detail. This can often offer us new perspectives on the photos, something that has been frequently highlighted by groups such as The Center for Civil War Photography and by the work of individuals such as Garry Adelman.

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Sunday Morning Mass, Camp of 69th New York State Militia, For Corcoran, Arlington Heights, Virginia, 1 June 1861. The following month these men would go into action in the first major battle of the war, at First Bull Run. (Library of Congress: LC-DIG-cwpb-06586)

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9th Massachusetts Infantry Camp near Washington D.C., 1861. The Irish unit’s biggest trial of the war would come the following year at the Battle of Gaines’ Mill, where they would suffer the highest casualties of any Union regiment.  (Library of Congress: LC-DIG-ppmsca-34231)

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A detail of Father Thomas Mooney, Chaplain of the 69th New York State Militia in his vestments, with the temporary altar behind him. Father Mooney would get into hot-water during the militia’s time at Fort Corcoran for blessing an artillery piece, an action that led to his recall. (Library of Congress)

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Father Thomas Scully of the 9th Massachusetts in a similar pose to that of Father Mooney. It seems likely that the young boys positioned beside both priests may have acted as altar boys during the service (Library of Congress)

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A more detailed look at the boy sitting by Father Scully’s feet. Note also the bespectacled officer of the 9th beside him, who in this shot at least bears a striking similarity to John Lennon! (Library of Congress)

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In both images the Colonel of the regiment occupies the same position, to the left of the priest as we view the photograph. Both Colonel (later Brigadier-General) Michael Corcoran and Colonel Thomas Cass would lose their lives during the war. In this close up of the 69th New York State Militia exposure, Michael Corcoran wears a rather stern expression. The two men in the background looking at the camera are worthy of note, with the number ’69’ clearly visible on the kepi of the soldier on the left, while the individual on the right appears to be wearing the headgear of the 69th’s Company K, the Zouave element led by Thomas Francis Meagher (Library of Congress).

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Another detail of some of the men in the 69th New York State Militia image, showing the variety of headgear that was being worn, including straw hats (Library of Congress)

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Perhaps the most interesting detail of the images are the women who are present. Here is a view of two of the ladies in the 69th New York State Militia photograph, presumably officer’s wives. Both hold parasols, presumably to shield them from the sun. I have never come across an identification for these two women, but would be pleased to hear from anyone who has (Library of Congress)

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Although much harder to spot, there are also a number of women in the 9th Massachusetts image. This detail shows us two of them, sitting in the row behind the officers. The man at left is Patrick Guiney, who would go on to command the regiment and suffer a grievous wound at The Wilderness. His edited correspondence from the war has been published by Dr. Christian Samito (Library of Congress)

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I had never noticed prior to taking a closer look that there is another woman in the 9th Massachusetts image, seen here standing beside the regimental colors and next to Colonel Cass. Again, I would be interested to know her identity if any readers are aware of it (Library of Congress)

References

Library of Congress

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Document Focus: The Aran Islands Parish Registry & Emigrant Networks

The latest in the Document Focus series see us return to the Aran Islands, off the west coast of Co. Galway. It looks at another emigrant family who experienced loss in the American Civil War, and how one of the collateral results of that loss was to provide us with evidence for both chain-migration and the maintenance of transatlantic emigrant networks in the nineteenth century.

The site has previously explored the impact of the American Civil War on the Aran Islands (which you can see here). Bartholomew O’Donnell was born there around the year 1832. It is not clear which of the three islands was his home, though there is a Bartholomew O’Donnell recorded in the townland of Carrownlisheen, Inishmaan (Inis Meáin) in the 1850s, possibly a relative. A little over three decades later Bartholomew found himself on the other side of the Atlantic, living in Portland, Maine. On 24th February 1864 the islander made the decision to enlist, following a well-worn route for Irish emigrants by joining the regular army. He duly became a private in Company B of the 17th United States Infantry, being recorded as a former farmer who stood 5 foot 8 inches in height, with grey eyes, dark hair and a ruddy complexion. Less than six months later he was dead, killed in action at the Weldon Railroad, Virginia on 18th August 1864. (1)

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The mark of Margaret O’Donnell, an Aran Island emigrant to the United States (NARA/Fold3)

Back in Portland, Bartholomew left behind a widow. Her name was Margaret, and she now had to set about proving her relationship with her husband. She began that process the month after Bartholomew’s death, appointing local lawyer Freeman Bradford as her attorney. In her initial statement, Margaret claimed that she had wed her husband on Christmas Day 1848, when both could have been little more than 16-years-old. She continued that she had no record of her marriage, and that if it existed it was inaccessible, she “having been married in Ireland.” Margaret’s maiden name was Flaherty, one of the most common on Aran during the 19th century. Her parents were John Flaherty and Catherine Clougherty, who had a farm there. As Margaret lacked physical evidence for her marriage, she had to turn instead to those in Portland who had known her in the Old Country. The fact that she was able to do so quickly, in September 1864, is testament to the fact that there was a community of Aran Island immigrants in Portland:

We Thomas Gill and Thomas Feeny residents of Portland, County of Cumberland, and State of Maine on oath depose and say that we are well and personally acquainted with Mrs. Margaret O’Donnell of this City, who is the widow of Bartholomew O’Donnell who was a soldier of the 17th Regt of U.S. Infantry and who has been killed while in the service of the United States as we have been informed and believe. And we further depose and say that ourselves and said Bartholomew O’Donnell and wife were natives [of] Isle of Aran, County of Galway, Ireland, and that we knew said parties previous to their marriage her name then being Margaret Flaherty and that on the 25th of December 1848, said Bartholomew O’Donnell and Margaret Flaherty were married by the Catholic Priest of that place, we knew the fact well at the time although we were not present but knew that said parties have ever since lived together as husband and wife both in Ireland and in this country and the fact of their marriage was never disputed or called in question. Said Margaret O’Donnell has no children; she has remained a widow since the death of her husband as aforesaid. We have no interest whatever in her claim for a pension. (2)

Where on the islands were Feeny and Gill from? The only Feenys (or Feeneys) and Gills recorded on Griffith’s Valuation were on Inishmore (Inis Mór), the main island, and it is reasonable to suggest that the same was true of these two Portand immigrants. Still, as with many widows born in Ireland, this affidavit was not enough, and so Margaret had to arrange to send word to Ireland to obtain an official transcript from the parish registry. The Catholic Church usually charged a fee for this service, but obtaining once also relied on the maintenance of transatlantic connections between immigrant communities and those at home. On 24th October 1864, just over two months after Bartholomew had died in Virginia, Father Patrick O’Malley was already checking the parish registers on the Aran Islands, and transcribing the 1848 entry for Margaret. (3)

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The parish registry transcript from the Aran Islands for Margaret O’Donnell (NARA/Fold3)

The provision of the registry extract was one of the factors that saw Margaret’s pension application approved on 10th March 1865. She would stay in Maine for the remainder of her life, working as a domestic servant and housekeeper. She is likely the Margaret O’Donnell recorded on the 1870 Census working as the housekeeper for the Sheriff of York County in Alfred, Maine. She passed away of heart disease in Portland at the age of 59 on 21st March 1893, and was laid to rest in Boston, Massachusetts. (4)

* None of my work on pensions would be possible without the exceptional effort currently taking place in the National Archives to digitize this material and make it available online via Fold3. A team from NARA supported by volunteers are consistently adding to this treasure trove of historical information. To learn more about their work you can watch a video by clicking here.

(1) Griffith’s Valuation, Army Register of Enlistments, WC43096; (2) WC43096, Maine Death Records; (3) Griffith’s Valuation, WC43096; (4) WC43096, 1870 Census, Maine Death Records; 

References

Army Register of Enlistments, 1798-1814.

Maine Death Records, 1761-1922.

Griffith’s Valuation:

Griffith’s Valuation: .

Griffith’s Valuation: .

Widow’s Certificate 43096 of Margaret O’Donnell, Widow of Bartholomew O’Donnell, Company B, 17th United States Infantry.

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Ireland’s U.S. Navy War Brides Exhibition Booklet

As some readers will be aware, I recently carried out some extensive research into those Irish women who married U.S. Naval personnel based in Ireland during the First World War. Much of that work was initially based on my review of ‘War Brides’ identified through their application for U.S. passports at consulates in Ireland and Britain. I have been very pleased that the research recently made the cover of History Ireland magazine, and that I have had the opportunity to speak on the topic at both the Winning the Western Approaches conference in University College Cork and to graduate students of New York University’s Glucksman Ireland House. However, the major output for the work thus far has been the exhibition on the women’s portraits that has been running over the last few months at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, Co. Cork. This formed part of the centenary events marking the 100th anniversary of the American arrival in Ireland in May 1917. The exhibition, which has recently concluded, would not have been possible without the fantastic assistance of the U.S. National Archives, who expertly scanned the images I identified, as well as the Sirius Arts Centre itself, particularly Brian Mac Domhnaill and Miranda Driscoll. Funding for the display was graciously supplied by the Port of Cork. The exhibition featured twenty portraits selected from among the ‘War Bride’ passport applications, but an integral part of it was the exhibition booklet, which featured a synopsis of the research I had carried out on each of these women. Now that it has concluded, I wanted to share the information it contained with anyone who may be interested in it. To that end, readers can access the full booklet by clicking here, or on the image below. Discussions are currently underway for the exhibition to move on to other venues, which I hope will come to fruition over the coming months as we seek to spread the stories of these fascinating women as widely as possible.

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Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s American Civil War Graves

I have recently moved to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the North-East of England in order to pursue PhD research into the Irish of the American Civil War. In my first days here, I have been looking at local connections to the conflict. One way to do this is to examine American Civil War veterans who are buried in local cemeteries. So far I have identified three, one of whom– George H. Bell– earned a Medal of Honor for his actions while in the Union Navy. I will be returning to George’s story in a later post, but for now wanted to take a brief look at the two others, whose graves I have just visited. Interestingly, both have links with Ireland and/or Irish service. 

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St. John’s Cemetery, Elswick, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (Damian Shiels)

St. John’s Cemetery is in Elswick, part of Newcastle’s West End. The eight hectare site opened in 1857, and contains many beautiful graves and two mortuary chapels, all dramatically located on high ground on the north bank the River Tyne. Unfortunately it is in a state of considerable disrepair, with the buildings currently sealed off. I visited the site in search of the grave of Medal of Honor recipient George H. Bell, who is interred there, but by chance came across a completely different American Civil War veteran. U.S. military headstones are distinguishable from those of the Commonwealth Wargraves Commission by virtue of being slightly taller and slimmer, and so even at a distance it was clear that this grave marked the resting place of former American servicemen. As I approached, I saw the memorial was inscribed “PHILIP LEGERS, CO. C, 32 MASS INF.” (1)

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The grave of Philip Legers at St. John’s Cemetery, Elswick, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (Damian Shiels)

Philip Legers was not a native of Newcastle, or even of England. He was born in St. John, New Brunswick around 1843, and by the time of the Civil War was a sailor. In 1863 at the age of 20, Philip decided to take advantage of the money available to those who were willing to become a draft substitute. On 19th August 1863 he officially stepped in to fulfil the martial responsibilities of Samuel H. Prentiss, an American-born Master Mariner in his early thirties who lived in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Whether Philip was living in America at the time, or travelled to the country with the express intent of enlisting is unknown. Upon his enrolment, he was described as having blue eyes, dark hair, a dark complexion and standing 5 feet 3 inches in height. The unit he was assigned to was Company F of the 9th Massachusetts Infantry, an ethnic Irish regiment. He would have entered the Overland Campaign with them, and presumably experienced the horrific fighting they endured at Saunders’ Field during the Battle of the Wilderness (you can read about their participation here). The Irish 9th mustered out of service that June, and it was at this point that Philip was transferred to Company C of the 32nd Massachusetts. Initially, he did not serve directly with his regiment, but was detached to the divisional train (of the 1st Division of the 5th Corps). He suffered from recurring illness through the latter part of 1864, but was back with his unit in 1865, and participated in the Grand Review in Washington D.C. before his discharge. Philip was mustered out on 29th June 1865. (2)

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The Substitute Volunteer Enlistment of Philip Legers (NARA/Fold3)

Philip may have seen further naval service after the war (there is a man of that name who enlisted in the 1870s), and appears to have lived in New Jersey when he filed for a pension in 1895. In 1911 he is recorded on the English census as Phillip Legers White, working as a shipwright in the Ordnance Works and living in Elswick. Perhaps it was his wife Elizabeth who caused him to move to the North-East, as she had been born in Haltwhistle, Northumberland. By then the couple had been married for 22 years, and had a total of four children, one of whom had died. They had been born in Newcastle and lived at home– they were Rhoda, a Confectionary shop assistant, Phyllis, Robert and Alma. Philip Legers passed away on 28th June 1916. (3)

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The Headstone Application for Philip Legers (NARA/Ancestry)

Another of Newcastle’s cemeteries is All Saints, also home to some beautiful mortuary chapels, which were constructed in 1856. Among the headstones there is one which reads “MICHAEL QUIGLEY, CO. A, 8 N.J. INFANTRY, DIED JUNE 9, 1924, AGED 87 YEARS, R.I.P.” Michael Quigley was born in Bradford, Yorkshire around 1840, though his surname suggests his family had Irish roots. Following his emigration, he was recorded as a 23-year-old Watchman in Washington D.C.’s First Ward in the summer of 1863. Another who elected to serve as a draft substitute, Michael became a soldier on 3rd June 1864 at Trenton, New Jersey. He joined the 8th New Jersey Infantry, part of the 3rd Division of the Army of the Potmac’s famed 2nd Corps. He didn’t get through his service unscathed, suffering a gunshot wound to his left wrist at the Battle of Hatcher’s Run (Boydton Plank Road) on 27th October 1864. He was discharged due to disability near Petersburg on 9th March 1865. (4)

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The entrance to All Saints Cemetery, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (Damian Shiels)

Michael returned to Washington after the war. On the 1870 Census he was recorded as 30 years-old, living with his wife Mary (24), who had been born in Hartlepool, and their two young children. On 31st December 1875 he appears to have been enduring some difficulties, as he placed himself in the Central Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteers Soldiers at Dayton, Ohio. While there he described himself as a printer, and stated he was married with three children under 16. However, he did not give his wife as his next of kin, rather putting down Samuel Wood, who resided in an Insane Asylum in Washington D.C. Michael only stayed there for a few months, discharging himself on 15th May 1876. Not long afterwards he was back across the Atlantic, working as a Commission Agent. He is enumerated on the 1881 Census with Mary and three children in Bishopwearmouth, Sunderland. The couple’s two eldest were both recorded as having been born in the United States, while one-year-old Christopher had been born in England. By 1911 Michael had moved to Newcastle, and was living in All Saints. In that year he was enumerated with his second wife, Elizabeth, who he had wed 22 years before. Also living with the couple was one of Michael’s American-born children, Gertrude, who was then 35-years-old, and was totally blind. The former soldier was totally reliant on his army pension, which presumably helped to support both his wife and his dependent daughter. He lived on for another 23 years, before passing away in 1924. (5)

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The grave of Michael Quigley, All Saints Cemetery, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (Damian Shiels)

All three of the American Civil War veterans I have thus far identified as buried in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne received their headstones in 1930 (as did a fourth former American serviceman, Lieutenant Allan Alexander. Buried in Heaton, he served in the early 20th century U.S. Navy). Each was delivered to the care of G.W. Scott at 18 Victoria Street, who was perhaps involved with local veteran organisations. The stories of Philip and Michael demonstrate that connections to the American Civil War are often all around us in Britain and Ireland, just waiting to be explored. I hope to find out more about these two men in the future, along with other connections between North-East England and service with Union and Confederate forces. (6)

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All Saints Cemetery, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (Damian Shiels)

(1) St. John’s Cemetery National Historic List for England; (2) Mass. Miscellaneous Papers, 1860 U.S. Census, Philip Legers Service Records; (3) Civil War Pension Index, 1911 England Census; (4) 1881 English Census, British Listed Buildings, New Jersey Adjutant General: 371, Draft Registration Records, National Home Records, (5) 1870 Census, 1881 English Census, National Home Records; (6) U.S. Headstone Applications for Military Veterans;

References

1860 U.S. Federal Census, Marblehead, Essex, Massachusetts.

1870 U.S. Federal Census, Washington Ward 1, Washington, District of Columbia.

1881 England Census, District 6a, North Bishop Wearmouth, Durham.

1911 England Census, District 11, Elswick, Northumberland.

1911 England Census, District 15, All Saints, Northumberland.

Massachusetts Miscellaneous Papers.

National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Records for Dayton, Ohio.

U.S. Civil War Draft Registration Records, District of Columbia, 1st Ward.

U.S. Headstone Applications for Military Veterans.

Philip Legers Service Record, 9th Massachusetts Infantry, 32nd Massachusetts Infantry (recorded as “Legere”).

Civil War Pension Index.

National Historic List for England, Entry for St. John’s Cemetery, Elswick.

British Listed Buildings, All Saints’ Cemetery Mortuary Chapels.

New Jersey Adjutant General 1876. Record of Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Civil War, 1861-1865. Volume 1.

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New York’s “Monster Irish Festival” & the Widows of Bull Run, 1861

In August 1861, tens of thousands of Irish immigrants took part in a “Monster Irish Festival” on Manhattan. Organised to benefit the widows and orphans of Irish men who had fallen at Bull Run, its scale and scope were considered by many to be unprecedented. In the new post, we explore why this event was organised, what acts performed there, what it was like to attend, and who it benefited. 

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An advertisement dated 24th August 1861 to publicise the “Grand Monster Festival” to be held at Jones’ Wood (New York Irish-American)

 

The move to support the families of 90-day servicemen who answered President Lincoln’s call was in full swing by the end of April 1861. In New York, groups such as the Union Defence Committee were expected to assist the dependents of volunteers, but many units also received direct aid from among their communities. Hundreds of dollars had been subscribed for the families of 69th New York State Militia by the time April turned to May, and on the 9th of that month a formal committee was established at 599 Broadway to aid the Irishmen’s families. The story of the 69th’s Relief Fund will be the topic of a detailed post in the future, but the need for it was demonstrated by the following letter, printed in the New York Irish-American of 4th May 1861:

The 69th having responded to the call of duty with such commendable alacrity– now that they are “off to the wars,” would it not be well for those of their countrymen in New York to take some active measures to see about providing for the families of such of them as may require assistance, and I have no doubt there may be many of them, during their absence. One of the brave fellows called on the writer of this the day before their departure and said, “Captain, I’m going away tomorrow with the 69th, and there is seven of our old company, the “Guyons,” going in the same company.” “Well, God speed the boys,” said I; “and I’m sure ye will give a good account of yourselves.” “Yes, Captain, you may be sure we will do our duty.” After a pause he added, “Captain, my poor old mother is dependent on me: she is old and helpless; but then duty”– and here the poor fellow stopped and choking with emotion, rushed out to join his regiment. His name is John Broderick, formerly Orderly Sergeant of Co. D, Guyon Cadets, 9th Regiment Irish Volunteers– the best shot in the Company. Cannot a subscription list be opened to assist such as Broderick’s “poor old mother.” I will give $50 towards it.

Yours truly,

GUYON. (1)

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The Return of the 69th New York State Militia after the Battle of Bull Run, 1861, by Louis Lang. (New York Historical Society)

 

By the end of July, the 69th New York State Militia were back in New York, having endured heavy fighting at Bull Run. With the men discharged at the start of August, attention now turned to providing financial aid to the families of those who had been killed, wounded or taken prisoner during the battle. Included among their number was the mother of John Broderick, who had not survived the fighting of 21st July. With adequate development of the pension system still months away, committees such as the 69th Relief Fund aimed to do what they could. They were not alone. Among the others who sought to lend assistance was the Committee of the Convention of Irish Societies. The Committee, which met weekly, was composed of delegates from a wide range of interest groups such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Irish benevolent societies, abstinence societies, Irish militia companies, Irish worker’s protective unions and Catholic societies. They decided that they wanted to raise funds by organising a major Irish-themed excursion. The location they picked was a place called Jones’ Wood. (2)

Although Central Park had been established in 1857, it proved difficult to access for many on Manhattan. Roy Rosensweig and Elizabeth Blackmar in The Park and the People: A History of Central Park have noted that the park also discouraged activities that were popular among the city’s working-classes and immigrant groups. Their research indicates that in the early 1860s communities such as the Germans and Irish in New York were more likely to select Jones’ Wood for their events. Part of a private estate on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Jones’ Wood contained a commercial picnic ground that offered– among other attractions– a dance pavilion, bowling alleys, a billiard saloon and a shooting range. (3)

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Jones’ Wood was popular among many immigrant groups, particularly the Germans. This image depicts the Scottish International Caledonian Games there in 1867 (Library of Congress)

 

The Committee of the Convention of Irish Societies held a number of meetings with officers of the 69th Militia before finalising their plans. The date for the excursion was set for Thursday 29th August 1861. The proprietor of Jones’ Wood agreed to provide the venue for free, donated $100 to the cause, and undertook to construct the necessary stages and platforms for the event. It was determined that the price of entry would be set at 25 cents. All that now remained was to secure some attractions. (4)

The majority of the line-up for the excursion– now being referred to as the”Grand Monster Festival” and “The 69th Regiment Festival”– was quickly confirmed. The star-attraction was to be none other than Thomas Francis Meagher, the great orator who had led Company K of the 69th at Bull Run, and who would soon march off to war once more at the head of the Irish Brigade. For the occasion, Meagher decided to take as his topic “The National Cause– Its Soldiers and Its Martyrs.” Another attraction was to be  “Bryant’s Minstrels”, a black-face minstrel troupe who were among the most famed exponents of that form of racist entertainment so popular in the mid-19th century. Included in their compliment was Thomas Dilward, an African-American dwarf who went by the stage name “Japanese Tom”, and who was one of only a handful of African-Americans performing with white minstrel groups at the time. For the occasion Bryant’s artists were not going to perform in black-face, but rather “drop their “sables” for the nonce, and face their audience under their proper and natural color.” Other entertainers were soon signed up. Music publisher John J. Daly agreed to set a patriotic chant to music, which would be sung by a choir on the day, while P.Q. Connell and his band would also perform. So too would John T. Bonnell and his company of singers, together with a new song they had written specially for the event, “A Call from Corcoran.” Yet another musical attraction came in the form of famed Irish piper Charles Ferguson, recently returned from a tour of Canada. (5)

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“Long Live the Sixty-Ninth”, the music by John J. Daly for the Jones’ Wood Festival (Library of Congress)

 

When the day arrived, the Committee made sure that large numbers of people could attend, particularly those coming from New York and Brooklyn. Visitors could chose to travel by via the Second and Third Avenue railroads, or elect to journey by boat, some of which were specially chartered for the occasion. The steamer R.L. Mabey and the barge Cleveland had a busy day, picking up passengers at Fulton Street, Brooklyn at 9am and 12.30pm, at Gouverneur Street, New York at 9.30am and 1pm, from South Fifth Street, Williamsburg at 10am and 1.30pm, and from Eleventh Street, New York at 10.30am and 2pm. The vessels would bring everyone home from Jones’ Woods at 5pm and 8pm, with the cost for a return ticket 5 cents. For the same price would-be attendees could also choose the steamboat General Arthur, leaving from the Peck Slip, Manhattan at 10.30am, 1.30pm and again later in the afternoon (for those who just wanted to hear Meagher’s oration). It called at Gouverneur Street, Broome Street and the foot of East Tenth and East Twenty-Fourth Streets en-route, with passengers treated to a band which played aboard for the duration. (6)

The event proved wildly popular, with estimates placing the crowds who attended at anywhere between 30 and 60,000 people. The New York Times reckoned it “one of the largest gatherings of holiday folk…it has ever been our good fortune to witness” with the venue “crowded to an excess which can scarcely be described without apparent exaggeration.” Their reporter described the scene:

Every avenue leading to them was lined with human beings, and every inch of ground that could bear wheels was beaten by the hoofs of horses…From the point where the Third-avenue cars deposit their living freight to the portal where a plethoric Celt– borne down with pockets of silver and other current coin– demanded a quarter for admission, there was not only a stream of human beings, but a degree of animation which can only be compared with a European fair. He who made the run of that gauntlet passed through the fire of a class of traders who had a joke for every stranger. (7)

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Bryant’s Minstrels in 1865. This black-face troupe was run by the Irish-American O’Neill brothers, and were among the most popular of their type (Library of Congress)

 

The tradespeople were well aware of why the crowds had come, and sought every means to exploit their sympathies in an effort to turn a profit. The New York Times continued:

Everything edible or palatable was proffered with a delicate Hibernian reference to the gallant Sixty-ninth, and a hint that the exigencies of Bull Run demanded its immediate purchase. All the lager-bier was from the brewery of Bull Run; all the water-melons were from the nursery of Bull Run; all the ice-creams, weighing-machines, side shows, and cider barrels were from the same locality. The second word that you heard on each side was Bull Run. (8)

Once inside, competition for picnic space proved fierce, with the shady areas at a particular premium. Aside from the music and dancing on offer, visitors could also enjoy the delights of “Nixon’s mammoth equestrian booth”, or listen to oratory at one of the speaking stands scattered around. But there was no doubting the main attraction. Fully a quarter of the crowd were estimated to have thronged around the grand stand for Thomas Francis Meagher’s much anticipated contribution. His speech at Jones’ Wood (reproduced in full at the end of the post) was the first in a series he made to encourage Irish recruitment, most particularly in what would become the Irish Brigade. The crowd apparently loved what he had to say, with the Irish hero “applauded at the end of every sentence” and at the conclusion of his talk cheers were given for the “New 69th and Mr. Meagher.” According to some reports “the more respectable part of the gathering took its departure” after Meagher finished, but for most the festivities continued. They extended long into the night, and as the alcohol flowed, the event witnessed a number of fights, including some clashes with the police. But the majority were there to enjoy the occasion. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle observed the merriment:

There was dancing at various parts of the Wood, and so determined were the dancers to enjoy their favorite pastime, that innumerable parties footed it on the green sod encircled by clouds of dust to the music of wandering minstrels, performed on every possible variety of instrument. (9)

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Thomas Dilward, known by his stage name “Japanese Tom” or “Japanese Tommy”, who performed at the Monster Irish Festival at Jones’ Wood in 1861 (Library of Congress)

 

When the event was over, its organisers were encouraged to pass on the monies raised to the 69th Relief Fund, but elected instead to dispense the finances themselves. On 1st November, the “Relief Committee of the Jones’ Wood Festival” assembled at the city arsenal on the corner of Elm and White streets to begin formal distribution (though some had already received aid). The money was earmarked for the families of the killed, wounded and missing, as well as those injured during the fighting. A number of officers of the regiment were on hand to make sure those who came could be vouched for, and a record book was kept by committee member John McGrath. Each applicant was asked a series of questions:

Name and residence?
How many have you in family?
What are the ages of your children?
To whom do you refer?
What relationship did the soldier bear to you?
Was he killed, or wounded, or is he a prisoner?

Once they had answered these questions to the satisfaction of those present, the applicant was presented with a cheque for the Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank, made out to a value deemed appropriate by the Committee. Between 10 am and 4pm a stream of people made their way to the arsenal, receiving a total of $380. (10)

The New-York Irish American Weekly published a transcript of John McGrath’s notes from this first distribution of the Jones’ Wood money, detailing the individuals who received it, their association to the soldier, and the amount they were given. That information forms the basis for the table produced below.

CLASSIFICATIONDETAILSSUM




WidowMatilda, widow of John Dunphy, killed at Bull Run; one child, aged seven months$10


WidowAnn, widow of Hugh Reynolds, killed at Bull Run; one child, aged 3 1/3 years$5


WidowCatharine, widow of Patrick Lilly, killed at Bull Run; five children, aged, severally, 10, 8 1/2, 5, 4 and 3 years$10


WidowMary, widow of Patrick Keating, killed at Bull Run; three children– aged, severally, 5 and 3 years and 4 months$10


WidowRebecca Jane, widow of Charles Crosby, killed at Bull Run; one child, aged one year$5


WidowMary, widow of James Mullany, died in prison at Richmond; four children– aged severally, 6 1/2, 5, 3 and 1 1/2$30


WidowBridget, wife of Patrick Coffee, died in prison at Richmond; no children$5


WidowCatharine, widow of Cornelius O'Neill, killed at Bull Run; two children– aged 6 and 2 years; is enceinte [pregnant]. Directed to send to the Treasurer as soon as she was confined, and they would render her such assistance as she may need$10


WidowMary, widow of ––––– Jackson, Co. C, drowned at Annapolis; three children– aged 4 and 2 years and 2 months$10


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerAnn Doyle, husband a prisoner and leg amputated; has one child, aged two monthsNot specified


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerElizabeth Quinn. Husband a prisoner and wounded; has three children– aged, respectively, 7, 4 and 2 yearsNot specified


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerJulia Shortall. Husband a prisoner and wounded; has four children– aged, respectively, 15, 11, 9 and 6 years$10


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerAnn, wife of Color Sergeant John Murphy, prisoner; has three children– aged, respectively, 9, 7 and 2 years$10


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerMary Carr. Husband a prisoner; has three children, aged 9 and 5 years and 2 months$5


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerMary E. Reynolds. Husband a prisoner; no children$5


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerMary Blake. Husband a prisoner, has four children– aged 10, 8 and 6 years and 11 months$15


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerCatharine Shaughnessy. Husband wounded severely and a prisoner$10


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerMargaret Fitzgerald. Husband wounded and a prisoner; has five children– aged 10, 8, 6 and 3 years, and 10 days$30


Wife of Wounded/PrisonerBridget Herbert. Husband wounded and a prisoner; has one child 14 months old$10


Wounded and Sick SoldiersThomas McQuade, lost a leg, is unable to work, and is the chief support of an aged mother. Committee intended to consider the propriety of purchasing an artificial leg for him, estimated at $100.$10


Wounded and Sick SoldiersWilliam Casey, lost three toes; has a wife and two children aged 3 and 1 1/2 years$10


Wounded and Sick SoldiersMichael Kane, sick of disease contracted in Virginia; has a wife and one child, aged four$5


Wounded and Sick SoldiersHugh Fisher, lost a finger of right hand; has a wife and two children, aged 16 and 12 years.$10


Wounded and Sick SoldiersPatrick Dunphy, wounded in the left arm, has a wife, no children$10


Wounded and Sick SoldiersPatrick Reilly, wounded in right hand, which he cannot use– is single$10


Wounded and Sick SoldiersOwen McCarthy, wounded in right leg, supports his mother– is single$10


Wounded and Sick SoldiersJohn Sullivan, wounded in the foot, supports his father (83 years old) and aged mother$10


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsJohanna, mother of John Murphy, who died of his wounds in this city; has one child aged 17, and is disabled$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsElizabeth, mother of Edward Falls?, who was her chief support, he returned from Bull Run, but died here. This poor woman has four children– aged 18, 16, 14 and 13 years, who are all without work$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsMartin, Father of Martin Flynn, a prisoner at Richmond; is sickly, has a wife and three children– aged 14, 12, 10, 8 and 7 years$10


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsCatharine, mother of Jno. Mulrooney, wounded and a prisoner at Richmond; has five children– aged 14, 12, 10, 8 and 7 years$10


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsBridget, mother of Patrick Drennan, wounded and a prisoner, has three children27/09/2017 aged 13, 11 and 9 years$10


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsCatharine, mother of Jeremiah Peters, wounded and a prisoner; has a child aged 16 years$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsSarah, mother of Thomas Hughes, a prisoner– no family$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsBridget, mother of Charles King, a prisoner– no family$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsMary Quinlan (widow, with two children, aged 5 and 3 years), sister of Edward Dalton, who contributed to her support. Specified that as they were an extreme case they would be given $5, but there would be no future payments$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsCatharine, mother of John Nugent, aged 17, a prisoner; has three children, aged 21, 16 and 18$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsBridget, mother of Daniel Cassidy, a prisoner, has a daughter aged 18 years$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsBridget Meyers (has a sister and two children, aged 6 and 4 years), sister of Geo. M. Desney, who supported her, she being in delicate health. Specified that as they were an extreme case they would be given $5, but there would be no future payments$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsEllen, mother of Michael Coleman, wounded and a prisoner– no family$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsEllen, mother of John Broderick, who was killed at Bull Run– no family$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsMary, mother of Thomas Madigan, who died in hospital at Richmond, after amputation of his leg; has three children, aged 17, 14 and 9 years$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsPatrick, father of Jeremiah Costigan, a prisoner. This son was the sole support of his father and mother and two children, aged 14 and 13 years$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsCatharine, mother of John Hussey, a prisoner. Is a German and can speak no English; has two children, aged 14 and 13 years$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsJohn, father of James McGrath (who was the support of his parents), a prisoner at Richmond$5


Fathers/Mothers/Other RelationsRobert, father of Peter Murphy, wounded and a prisoner. His age is 60, and that of his wife 55; no other children$5

The Relief Committee of the Jones’ Wood Festival continued to make regular distributions of funds into at least the summer of 1862, frequently accounting for the money they handed out and listing those who benefited (though it is unclear if a full tally of the funds collected on 29th August was ever recorded). The development of the Federal pension system in 1862 would eventually seek to formally provide for wounded soldiers and the dependents of the dead. Many of those who received money as a result of Jones’ Wood Festival obtained these pensions (you can find the story of one of those families, the Madigans, here). In the interim, efforts like those of the Union Defence Committee, the 69th Relief Committee, and the Convention of Irish Societies “Monster Festival”, however imperfect they might have been, played a vital role in sustaining those in need.

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Jones’ Wood remained a popular destination for Irish excursions. Here two advertisements from 5th July 1862 publicise separate events there for the Emerald Benevolent Society and the St. James’ Roman Catholic Total Abstinence & Benevolent Society (New York Irish-American)

 

The National Cause– Its Soldiers and Its Martyrs, delivered by Thomas Francis Meagher, Jones’ Wood Monster Festival, 29th August 1861.

In the dew of the morning as it melts in the sunbeam– in the brightest river hastening to the depths in which its fresh life is lost– in the loftiest mountains as the darkness of the storm covers them and night and they become inseparable– in the budding of the greenest leaf– in the tranquil glory of the fullest star that is set in heaven– in everything that is visible on the earth, above it, or below– there is an admonition which reminds us of the waywardness and instability of human fortunes and the certainty of death. The very stones that are planted to commemorate the goodness, the rank, the achieved honors, the illustrious mind, the brave or the beneficent career of people we have admired and extolled while living, or which simply register a birth and a decease, leaving the story of the dead, if worthy of it, to be written in a book the characters of which shall never fade– these very stones, far more forcibly than the losses they record, teach the lesson that our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. Be it marble, be it granite, be it the sternest stone or mettle, the letters and emblems with which it is wrought grain by grain decay, and the day comes at last when some strange creature, whose communion is with the past, and with the past alone, peering and gleaming through his spectacles, searching keenly and fiercely almost, with brain and chisel, vainly strives to rescue a solitary epitaph from the confusion and mystery into which it has irrevocably passed. Such, then, being the lesson taught by the brightest, the strongest, the grandest forms and voices, whether in the sky, the land, or sea– such the lesson taught by the very stones which man, in his love, his vanity, his courtesy, or gratitude, erects as enduring memorials of his race– no wonder that here, this day, in the midst of all these games and pastimes, through the heart of this healthful and joyous crowd, over all this blended splendor of foliage and sunshine, above all the shrill tumult of the boats that vex the river on the rocks of which we stand, and the music to which these waters, sweeping there before us, have seemed to leap– no wonder that a broad shadow from the hushed battlefield should rise and overspread us.

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

There are eyes clouded and gushing with bitter sorrow in the desolation of spirit in homes where Winter has settled in the zenith of Summer, while we stand here blessed and gladdened with all the warmth and beautiousness, with all the promise and fruitfulness of this propitious hour and consecrated scene; and there are little hearts that have grown big and heavy in darkened rooms, waiting and praying for footsteps which once were cheerier to them than the songs of the birds that greet the rising sun, but which shall never wake again the echoes of the expectant house.

[SENSATION]

 

In the name, for the sake, in tenderness and compassion, in proud regard and duty to those whose husbands and fathers, fighting in the ranks of the 69th, were slain in battle, sealing their oath of American citizenship with their blood– whose doorways are now hung with blackest mourning, and whose tables miss the industrious hands that once furnished them with bread– in the name of the widowed homes of the dead soldiers of the 69th, we, who claim these soldiers as our brothers, and though they were the poorest of the earth would be prouder of them than the haughtiest princes are of their ancient diadems and domains.

[LOUD CHEERS]

 

With this purpose and these emotions we have assembled here today, and hence it is I have said that this was propitious hour and this a consecrated scene.–

[GREAT APPLAUSE]

 

High above these banners, these trees, these pillars– gathering all– the youngest, the fairest, the hardiest and the oldest, the rude, the gentle, white hairs and glowing cheeks, the extremes of society, life and character– into one great edifying and benignant throng, the Angel of Charity extends his wings; sanctifies the pastimes and pleasures of the hour; refines, illuminates, ennobles what might otherwise be rough, boisterous, frivolous or idle, and linking with rays of divinest light and luster the living and the dead, breathes into every Irish heart at least the assurance that they shall never be forgotten who fall in a just cause, in vindication of laws that are unimpeached and unimpeachable, and in sustainment of a Government which, while it is the least exacting, the most encouraging and beneficent the world has ever known.

[ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING]

 

This is the lesson, the purpose, the inspiration we acknowledge here; and hence– to repeated what I have already said– this is a propitious hour, and this a consecrated scene.

[RENEWED APPLAUSE]

 

Peacefulness, and joyousness, and glory– such as no home on earth, however blessed confers, nor the most affluent city in the fullness of its gratitude and grandeur can decree– be for eternity to those who fell, on that terrible Sunday of July, in the tempest which swept with flames, and beat back on a deluge of carnage and consternation the army that had advanced to restore in an insurgent State the supremacy of the national authority.

[LOUD CHEERING]

 

Peacefulness, and joyousness, and glory be to those who fell in this great endeavor, wherever they may have been born, at whatever altar they may have worshiped, to whatever school of politics they may have belonged.–

[LOUD AND PROLONGED CHEERING]

 

Peacefulness, and joyousness, and glory, eternal and supreme, be to those who venturing here from Ireland–

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

–conceived in her womb, nourished at her breast, nurtured and emboldened as her children only are– went forth without a thought of home, of reward, of danger, of any ties however dear, of any compensation small or great, of any consequences, however desperate and fatal they might be, to maintain in arms the authority of the Government to which they swore allegiance, and in the perpetuation of which their interests, as emigrants driven by devastating laws and practices from their native soil, are vitally involved!

[HEAR, HEAR, AND CHEERS]

 

As this prayer goes forth, the scene before me seems to pass away. Dense white clouds rise from the earth and intercept it. Lightnings sweep through those clouds, and in the brightest sunshine that can bless the earth a tempest opens which shakes the forests and the mountains with its thunders, and floods the meadows with a rain that turns to red their greenest blades of grass.

[SENSATION]

 

Again the scene changes. The storm has ceased. On the glowing horizon the mountains of Virginia blend their grand forms with a sky of speckless blue, and, silent as the pyramids of the desert, overlook the wreck and ravages which the exhausted storm has left behind it.

Nearer to me– their vast webs of emerald interwoven with the golden skeins which the sun flings out– in their restored freshness and beauty, the woods, where the storm most fiercely raged, deepen and expand for miles. The grass of the meadows grows green again, and the streams, which had been troubled and stained like them, pursue their old paths in peacefulness and purity, as though no flashing hoofs and wheels, no burning feet pressing in thousands to the charge, no shot or shell had harrowed them. But on the silent fields which those noble mountains overlook and those deep groves shadow, I see many a strong and gallant soldier of the 69th whom I knew and loved, and they there in the rich sunshine discolored and cold in death.–

[HEAR, HEAR, AND DEEP SENSATION]

 

All of them were from Ireland, and as the tide of life rushed out the last though that left their hearts was for the liberty of Ireland.

[ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING]

 

Prominent among them, strikingly noticeable by reason of his large, iron frame, and the boldly chiseled features, on which the impress of great strength of will and intellect was softened by a constant play of humor and the goodness and grand simplicity of his heart– wrapped in his rough old overcoat, with his sword crossed upon his breast, his brow boldly uplifted as though he was still in command, and the consciousness of having done his duty sternly to the last still animating the Roman face– there lies James Haggerty {For more on James Haggerty see here}

[IMMENSE CHEERING]

 

– a braver soldier than whom the land of Sarsfield and Shields has not produced, and whose name, worked in gold upon the colors of the 69th, should be henceforth guarded with all the jealousy and pride which inspires a regiment, whenever its honor is at stake and its standards are in peril.

[ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING, OVER AND OVER AGAIN RENEWED]

 

But what of the cause in which our countrymen fell that day? Was it urgent, was it just, was it sacred? Never was there a cause more urgent, more just, more sacred.

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR, AND ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING]

 

The assertion of the national authority, derived, as it is, from the free will and votes of a majority of the citizens–

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

– the conservation in its integrity of that magnificent expanse of country over which a common Constitution has thrown its shield, and along the frontiers and at the gates of which a common treasury has planted forts and custom-houses, and the flag which no foreign hand as yet has questioned with impunity–

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

– the enforcement of the laws of Congress, the sworn compact of the States, the inviolability of the ballot-box, and the decision that proceed from it, the sanctity of official oaths, the accountability of the public servants, the most precious fruits of the Revolution, the claims of posterity, the progress of democracy, its consolidation and ascendency, the glory of the New World.

[LOUD CRIES OF HEAR, HEAR]

 

Behold the cause in which those lives were offered up.

[TREMENDOUS CHEERING]

 

Never, I repeat it, was there a cause more sacred, nor one more just, nor one more urgent. No cause more sacred, for it comprehends all that has been considered most desirable, most valuable, most ennobling, to a political society and humanity at large. No cause more just, for it involves no scheme of conquest or subjugation, contemplates no disfranchisement of the citizen, excludes the idea of provincialism and inferiority, aiming only at the restoration of franchises, powers, and property, which were enjoyed by one people and one republic, and which, to be the means of happiness, fortune, and renown to millions, must be exercised and held in common under one code of national laws, one flag, and one Executive. No cause more urgent, for intrigues, perfidies, armed legions, the hatred and cupidity of foreign courts assail it, and every reverse with which it is visited serves as a pretext for the desertion of the coward, the misrepresentation of the politician whose nation is in his pocket, the preferred compromises of men who, in the name of peace, would capitulate to treason and accept dishonor, encouraging the designs of kings and queens, and knaves, to whom this great Commonwealth, with all its wonderous acquisitions and incalculable promise, has been, until within the last few weeks, a source of envy, vexation, alarm, and discomfiture, presenting, as it did, nobler scenes of activity and progress than their estates could show– sheltering and advancing the thousands whom their rods and bayonets had swept beyond the sea, and, like the might genius of the ocean confronting the ship of Vasco di Gama, uprising here to repel intrusion which would establish on the seas and islands of the New World the crowned monopilies and disabling domination of the Old.

[LOUD AND ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING]

 

Will the Irishmen of New York stand by this call–

[ENTHUSIASTIC AND VEHEMENT CRIES OF “WE WILL, WE WILL”]

 

– resolutely, heartily, with inexorable fidelity, despite of all the sacrifices it may cost, despite of all the dangers into which it may compel them, despite of all the bereavements and abiding gloom it may bring upon such homes as this day miss the industry and love of the dead soldiers of the 69th, but in some measure to console and succor which the festivities of this day have taken place.

[LOUD AND PROTRACTED CHEERS, AND RENEWED CRIES OF “WE WILL”]

 

For my part, I ask no Irishman to do that which I myself am not prepared to do.

[TREMENDOUS APPLAUSE]

 

My heart, my arm, my life, is pledged to the national cause, and to the last it will be my highest pride, as i conceive it to be my holiest duty and obligation, to share its fortunes.

[RENEWED CHEERING]

 

I care not to what party the Chief Magistrate of the Republic has belonged.

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

I care not upon what plank or platform he may have been elected.

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

The platform disappears before the Constitution, under the injunction of the oath he took on the steps of the Capitol the day of his inauguration.

[HEAR, HEAR, AND LOUD CHEERS]

 

The party disappears in the presence of the nation,

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

and as the Chief Magistrate, duly elected and duly sworn, is bound to protect and administer the national property for the benefit of the nation, so should every citizen concur with him in loyal and patriotic action, discarding the mean  persuasions and maxims of the local politicians–

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

–and substitution the national interest, the national efficiency, the national honor, for the selfishness, the huckstering, or the vengeance of a party.

[ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING]

 

To me at all events, the potency of the National Government, the honor and glory of the national flag, are of infinitely higher value than the Regency at Albany, the Tammany Wigwam, Mozart Hall, or the Pewter Mug.

[IMMENSE CHEERING AND ROARS OF LAUGHTER]

 

Nor shall outcries on behalf of the liberty of the press, or the liberty and immunities of the citizen, restrain me in the active allegiance I owe to the nation and its Executive, now that the rights and authority of both are jeopardized.

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

The integrity of the national domain, the potency of the National Government, the reputation of the national arms, the inviolability of that tranquil system of election, without which no popular government can have legitimacy, consistency, and force– these considerations are far dearer to me, and I claim them to be of far more vital consequence than the liberty to promulgate sedition or the liberty to conspire.

[IMMENSE APPLAUSE]

 

Such liberties must succumb to the demands of the crisis, the public safety, the discipline and efficiency of the army, and the attitude of the revolt.–

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

Within the range of the laws, the police, the courts, the proprieties and interests of the community, let them have full swing to the days of peace. Such days have their peculiar sanctities– more than this, they have their recognized and favored abuses of popular institutions and prerogaties; and the fieryist or foulest sheet that is scribbled in the coalhole or the garret, as well as the most faithless citizen among us, may be permitted, the one to scatter broadcast, and the other to drop in crevices and corners, the seeds of disaffection against the government, without the commonwealth incurring any detriment.–

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

But in time of war– above all, in the time of civil war– the supremacy of the Government should be the sole object–

[LOUD CRIES OF HEAR, HEAR]

 

– and to this and martial law should be the higher law–

[TREMENDOUS CHEERS]

 

– and the only one in undisputed force.

[ENTHUSIASTIC CRIES OF HEAR, HEAR, AND CHEERING]

 

Who speaks about his rights as a passenger– about his bag of money, his chest of books and clothes, the photographs of his wife and children, his live stock of bales of merchandise, when the steamship has met with a collision, threatens to go down, must be cleared of every embarrassment and dead weight, and all hands are summoned to the rescue?

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

You know it well. I assert it without fear of contradiction from any quarter, and those who have had most latitude and impunity; were they frank and generous, would be the first to own it. The National Government has suffered more from the patience, the magnanimity it has practiced towards its enemies, and those who are in sympathy and league with them, than it has done from the courage, the science, the fierce energy of those who have taken the field against it, and victoriously shaken the banner of revolt and repudiation in its face.

[CRIES OF HEAR, HEAR, AND LOUD APPLAUSE]

 

The masked conspirators of the North are infinitely more criminal and mischievous than the bold and armed recusants of the South–

[RENEWED SHOUTS OF “HEAR, HEAR,”]

 

– and Democrat as I am–

[ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERS]

 

– spurning the Republicanism of the Chicago Convention as a spurious creed–

[OUTBURSTS OF APPLAUSE]

 

– having no sympathies whatever with the men in power other than those which should subsist between the citizen and his government

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

I would promptly and cordially approve of the severest measures the President might adopt to paralyze the treachery which in this and other cities, under various liberal and beneficent pretences, has been, and is still at work to undermine and overthrow the legitimate magistracy of the nation.

[GREAT APPLAUSE]

 

Do I not speak in the name of the Irishmen of New York– and they are counted by tens of thousands– when I speak these sentiments, and declare in favor of these rigorous but imperative proceedings?

[ENTHUSIASTIC SHOUTS OF “THAT YOU DO!”]

 

Were I met with a negative, I should remind my countrymen that the English aristocracy

[TERRIFIC GROANS AND YELLS]

 

– which is the dominant class in England– to which the Navy, the Church, the Army almost exclusively belong, and which is, in fact, the political opinion, the Parliament, the scepter, and the sword of England

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

– I should remind my countrymen that this aristocracy is arrayed against the government at Washington

[RENEWED CRIES OF “HEAR!”. “HEAR!”]

 

– and that as it was dead against the Revolution, out of which arose the liberties and nationality of the United States, so it is now in hot favor of the revolution which sets at naught those liberties, and against that nationality directs a fratricidal blow.

[SHOUTS AND IMMENSE CHEERING]

 

A revolution that has the flattery and patronage of an aristocracy to which for generations Ireland has ascribed her social wretchedness and political disorders, and which has scoffed at and scandalized her before the world, can surely never have the heart and arm of any Irishman who has learned the history of the stars and stripes.

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

– valued the blessings and protection they insured, and who, in the frustration of the schemes of this incorrigible aristocracy, its chastisement and downfall, forsees a healthier and stronger life for England, and the liberty of Ireland.

[LOUD AND REITERATED CHEERING]

 

Be it with Irishmen, at all events, the lesson, the incentive, the animating conviction, the rallying battle-cry in this tempestuous time. Every blow that, with the shout of “Feac and bealac”–

[ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING]

 

– clears the way for the Stars and Stripes, and plants that flag wherever it has a prescriptive right to float, deals to this English aristocracy a deadly mortification and discouragement–

[HEAR, HEAR, HEAR]

 

– depriving it of new allies and resources–

[HEAR, HEAR AND CHEERING]

 

– and thus so far– avenges and liberates the island of which it has been the persecution, the crippling fetter the recurring famine, the pervading blight the social cancer, and the rank source of the poverty and slanders, in spite of which her children make their footing good and assert themselves abroad.

[LOUD AND LONG CONTINUED CHEERING]

 

Which being so, let us who hail from Ireland–

[LOUD CHEERS]

 

– we who have taken an oath of loyalty, not to New York–

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

– not to Alabama–

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

– not to Florida–

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

– not to Kansas–

[HEAR, HEAR]

 

– not to any one isolated State, but to all the States–

[IMMENSE CHEERING]

 

they built up the powerful and resplendent Union which the sword and counsels of Washington evoked, which the philosophy of Jefferson approved, which the headstrong honesty and heroism of Andrew Jackson, preserved, which the great arguments of Webster, rendered more solid, and which the loving patriotism of Henry Clay whose precepts and examples still animate the sons of old Kentucky

[LOUD AND ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING FOR KENTUCKY]

 

commended to the heart of every true American– let us, at all events who hail from Ireland stand to the last by the Stars and Stripes

[TREMENDOUS CHEERING]

 

the illustrious insignia of the nation that of all the world, has been the friendliest sanctuary of the Irish race

[ENTHUSIASTIC CRIES OF “HEAR, HEAR”]

 

and in going forth to battle for the American Union against domestic treason and the despotism of Europe, let the Irish soldier take with him the assurance, which the scene here before us justifies, that, should he fall neither his wife nor little ones shall be forgotten.

[TREMENDOUS AND ENTHUSIASTIC CHEERING, OVER AND OVER AGAIN REPEATED DURING WHICH CAPTAIN MEAGHER RETIRED] (11)

 

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Jones’ Wood saw thousands of Irish return in April 1866 for the reception of Fenian leader James Stephens, as depicted in the 2nd June 1866 Harper’s Weekly (Harper’s Weekly)

 

(1) Irish-American 27th April 1861, Irish-American 4th May 1861; (2) Irish-American 3rd August 1861, Irish-American 2nd March 1861, Irish-American 17th August 1861; (3) Rosensweig and Blackmar 1992: 233-4; (4) Irish-American 24th August 1861; (5) Irish-American 24th August 1861, Irish-American 31st August 1861, Brooklyn Daily Eagle 23rd August 1861, Brooklyn Daily Eagle 30th August 1861; (6) Irish-American 31st August 1861; (7) Brooklyn Evening Star 30th August 1861, New York Times 30th August 1861; (8) New York Times 30th August 1861; (9) New York Times 30th August 1861, Brooklyn Evening Star 30th August 1861, Cavanagh 1892: 413, Brooklyn Daily Eagle 30th August 1861; (10) Irish-American 2nd November 1861, Irish-American 9th November 1861; (11) Brooklyn Evening Star 30th August 1861;

References

Brooklyn Daily Eagle 23rd August 1861.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle 30th August 1861.

Brooklyn Evening Star 30th August 1861.

New York Irish-American weekly 2nd March 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 27th April 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 4th May 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 3rd August 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 17th August 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 24th August 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 31st August 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 2nd November 1861.

New York Irish-American Weekly 9th November 1861.

New York Times 30th August 1861.

Rosensweig, Roy and Blackmar, Elizabeth 1992. The Park and the People: A History of Central Park. 

Cavanagh, Michael 1892. Memoirs of Gen. Thomas Francis Meagher. 

The post New York’s “Monster Irish Festival” & the Widows of Bull Run, 1861 appeared first on Irish in the American Civil War.

In Search of Cornish Emigrants in the American Civil War

I recently had an opportunity to spend some time in Cornwall, England’s most south-westerly county. The dramatic scenery is everywhere punctuated by the physical remains of the industry for which the Cornish established an international reputation– mining. Cornish tin and copper mines allowed many of the locals to develop skills that became particularly useful in the 19th century, when, like Ireland, Cornwall witnessed large-scale emigration. I decided to explore how that emigration might have manifested itself during the American Civil War, with a particular look at south-west Wisconsin, a region to which the Cornish flocked. Specifically I have taken as a mini-case study the town of Mineral Point, where many a “Cousin Jack” made their home. 

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The Towanroath Shaft Engine House, Wheal Coates Mine, St. Agnes Head, Cornwall (Damian Shiels)

A downturn in the mining industry during the middle of the 19th century was one of the push factors which caused high migration from Cornwall. It was natural that these Cornish emigrants would seek out opportunities where their expertise would improve their prospects, and in the 1830s such opportunities existed in the lead-mining region of Wisconsin. The bulk of Cornish immigrants there were concentrated in Iowa County, Wisconsin, where during the 1840s they “poured in in large numbers.” By 1850 there was as many as 4,500 Cornish in places like Dodgeville, Linden and Mineral Point, with some estimates placing 7,000 Cornish throughout the state, more than 25% of all the British in Wisconsin. Not all of them had come to mine; many hoped to take the opportunity to improve their lot by working the land on farms of their own. (1)

How many of these Cornish-Americans in Iowa County elected to volunteer for service during the American Civil War? In 1898 Louis Albert Copeland opined that “there seems to be a difference of opinion as to whether the Cornish furnished their proper proportion; it seems certain, however, that they did not furnish more than their share.” Thomas Allen, who Captained Company I of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, felt there were around 30 Cornishmen under his command, with another 20 to be found in Company E of the 11th Wisconsin Infantry. Both companies had their origins in Mineral Point. There is little doubt that many other Cornishmen served in companies associated with the other settlements in the area. Among them were men from Dodgeville, who fought in the “Dodgeville Guards,” Company C of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, and the “Dodgeville Rangers,” Company C of the 31st Wisconsin Infantry. It also included those from Linden who marched to war in the ranks of Company E of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry. In an effort to gain an insight into both the English and Cornish influence on such units, I elected to examine in more detail the Mineral Point volunteers across three companies in the 2nd, 11th and 30th Wisconsin Infantry Regiments. (2)

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Wheal Owles Engine House, Botallack Mine, Cornwall (Damian Shiels)

The majority of men who volunteered for Union service from Mineral Point during the American Civil War served in one of three companies. The town’s militia company, the appropriately named “Miners’ Guards”, became Company I of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. They in turn formed part of the famed Iron Brigade, fighting in some of the most celebrated actions in the war. The “Farmers’ Guards” served as Company E of the 11th Wisconsin Infantry, which saw its most intensive service during the Vicksburg Campaign. Those in Company E of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry would find themselves even further west, serving in places like the Dakota Territory during the conflict. Analysis of the rosters of these three companies reveals 121 men who had their residence recorded as Mineral Point. Using the 1860 Census for Iowa County, it was possible to determine the nativity of 85 of these men. The results confirm the strong English presence in these units, with 21% of those for whom nativity could be established having been born in England. This compares to 18% born in Germany and Ireland combined, 23% born in Wisconsin, and 22% born in other U.S. states. (3)

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Figure 1. The nativity of volunteer soldiers from Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin across the three selected companies, excluding those for whom nativities could not be established (Damian Shiels).

However, nativity data tells us only part of the story. We can expect that many of those born in the United States, particularly in Wisconsin, were also of English stock. To further explore this, I widened the 1860 Census search criteria. As well as the English-born, I included those American-born who lived with an English-born family member (e.g. parents or older sibling) and those who bore a surname where another who shared it in the county had English nativity. Following these criteria, 41 of the 121 men, almost 34% of the entire sample, could be shown to be part of the English diaspora. (4)

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Table 1. The 41 men from the Mineral Point sample for whom English associations could be established based on 1860 Census data for Iowa County (Damian Shiels).

Taking the information further, a minimum of 20 of these individuals can be confirmed as Cornish, either through analysis of historical documents or the fact that they bear distinctly Cornish surnames.* There is little doubt that many of the others, perhaps even the majority, were also of Cornish stock. With respect to their occupations, a lare number did have a demonstrable association with the mining industry. The table below indicates where 1860 Census analysis revealed that an individual (or one of their family) were connected with either mining or farming. (5)

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Table 2. Associations with mining and farming among the 41 men of demonstrably English origin who enlisted at Mineral Point, based on 1860 Census data (Damian Shiels).

Aside from analysing rosters, another way in which we can reveal the story of Cornish emigrants in the American Civil War is through the pension files. One of the Cornish of Dodgeville in Iowa County was John Ryall, who was enumerated as a farmer in the 1860 Census. He had married Mary Webb in Poundstock, North Cornwall on 22nd June 1851. They had two children, Sarah Jane (b. 1854) and Lewis (b. 1859). During the Civil War, John served in Company C of the 31st Wisconsin Infantry. On the 23rd November 1863 he was admitted to the General Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he died of chronic diarrhoea on 17th December. The dependents’ file based on John’s service reveals some insight into the Cornish community of which the Ryalls were a part. Interestingly many of Mary’s Webb siblings– and her parents– also made the move to Wisconsin. When Mary needed to provide witnesses who were present at her marriage in England, she was able to call on her brother John and also John Simmons, another Cornish farmer who had made the move from around Poundstock. When Mary remarried in 1864, she chose to do so within the Cornish community. Her new husband was Richard “Uncle Dick” Rogers, who ultimately ran the Dodgeville Hotel. Uncle Dick’s first wife, Amy Potter, had also been from Cornwall, but had passed away in 1863. The hotelier made enough of his life in America to warrant a short biography in the history of the county, which revealed that he had initially come to the United States in 1845, starting off as a miner in Mineral Point before moving into the backwoods to burn lime. He spent a short period in California in 1852 before returning to lime burning, eventually starting his hotel in 1867. (6)

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A Wisconsin soldier during the American Civil War (Library of Congress)

The dependent pension files also allow us to examine the impact of the war on Cornish parents, like William Tregea and Letitia Couch. William was a miner in St. Neot when he married Letitia (from Bodmin) in St. Neot Parish Church, Cornwall on 6th March 1830. The couple emigrated first to Pennsylvania but were in Mineral Point by the late 1830s. Their Wisconsin-born son John was still a teenager when the war came. A miner like his father, he became a soldier in the Miners’ Guard, Company I of the soon to be famed 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. Another of the regiment was his older brother Leonard. John fell in the heavy fighting at the Brawner Farm that marked the beginning of the Battle of Second Bull Run on 28th August 1862. That night his brother-in-law, Thomas Maloney, went out on the field to look for his body, but in the darkness ran into a body of Confederate troops and was captured. As with the Ryalls, the file of the Tregea family demonstrates the close bonds that existing among the Cornish community. John Ivey, a constable and William Lanyon, a blacksmith both gave statements on their behalf. As with Tregea, both Ivey and Lanyon are Cornish surnames. William Lanyon had come to America from Cornwall in 1840 along with his wife Mary Ann Bennett, and would eventually become a successful businessman. When the Tregea’s needed to find someone who had been present at their marriage, they, like the Ryalls, could call on a former neighbour from the old country. Nicholas Coad who farmed land in nearby Linden, had been present at the ceremony in St. Neot more than three decades previously, and gave a statement to say so on the family’s behalf. (7)

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The Parish Church of St. Neot, Cornwall, where William Tregea and Letitia Couch married. They would lose their son during the fighting at Second Bull Run, Virginia in 1862 (Image: Necrothesp)

Another of Mineral Point’s Cornish soldiers was Richard Chesterfield. Richard’s parents John and Eliza were married in Newlyn, near Penzance in south-west Cornwall in August 1841. Richard was born there before the family made the trip across the Atlantic. He also initially enlisted in Company I of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, but was transferred to the Navy for gunboat service in Western Waters on 17th February 1862. Serving aboard the USS Mound City, Richard kept his parents constantly up to speed with events. One of his letters was written soon after he had joined his boat, and is reproduced below. In the correspondence, Richard describes his uniform by referencing the Royal Navy uniforms his parents would have been familiar with in Cornwall:

March the 17th 1862

Moun[d] City

Dear father and mother i take my pen in hand to wright you these few lines to let you know that I am in good helth at present and hope to find you the same. I sent you one letter to let you know where I was too but I have received no ansure altho I am expecting one every day. I am on the Moun[d] City as I told you before. We mad[e] sail down the missippi last week and we are now opisit Birds Point. The rebels are strongly fortyfied her we have been bombarding them four days. The first day we was firing I got deaf and I can scarsly hear anything now. I expect we will be tow [two] weeks taking this place or praps more. We are waiting for a land force to come along before we give them the grand stroke…We are going to rattle away at them again tomorrow. I don’t know how long before we will get them wipt out we ar[e] taking some place all the time, our troops has got New Madrid down below this place and they can’t run away, they can’t get out on either side. Some of out oficers has been out looking around and they say the rebels are sinking there boats to blocade the river but our pilot says it is no use for the channel is tow [too] deep. There is about 17teen thousand rebels here we threw some shell into there camp and it took tents over and every thing els before it they screamed and runed like devels.

We have dismounted four or five of there guns lots of our shell goes right into there fort we are about three miles from there forts I am first shot and shell man on the bow gun it is a sixty eight pounder. First shot and shell man gets the shot and shell for the gun. The bow of our boat is three feet thick and is coated with iron on the outside a inch thick, no ball will go through it. Our uniform is blue shirt, blue pants with flaps in front like the old Country pants. Our caps are blue and round with no peaks. I supose you have seen them on board the man of war in the old Country, it is [a] regular man of war uniform.

We have salt gunk and hard crackers to eat and I tell you what it is I would rather be home on one meal a day then here. When a fellow is sick he is left to lay on the deck like a dog. He is treated worse then you would treat one of our dogs. I hope that i[t] will be over this Summer I am sick and tired of it. I don’t want you to show this letter to anyone els nor say anything about it but let them inlist and learn a leson that will last them there life time and a lesson which all ought to have. So you can pray for peace with all your might. Tell this [to] Sam and Jim and Mary Jane and ask them if they would like to be man of wars men.

Pleas tho wright as soon as you can direct to

Richard Chesterfield

U.S. Gunboat Moun[d] City

Cairo, Ill. (8)

Three months after writing this letter Richard and the USS Mound City were part of the White River expedition in Arkansas. As the Mound City proceeded up the river she was engaged by shore batteries, and a shot penetrated the vessel’s steam drum. In one of the most horrifying naval incidents of the war, the escaping steam scalded most of the Mound City’s crew to death– including Richard Chesterfield.

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The USS Mound City, the vessel on which Richard Chesterfield from Newlyn, Cornwall, lost his life (Naval Historical Center)

Not long after Richard’s death his father John was no longer able to continue work, being “broken down by hard labor.” As a result John’s wife Eliza sought a dependent mother’s pension based on her son’s service. The file demonstrates that the realities of the Cornishmen’s working lives in Mineral Point were often more complex than the 1860 Census might suggest. The Chesterfields are recorded in Table 2 as having a farming association, but according to Eliza Chesterfield, her husband “had always been a miner until a short time previous when he moved onto eighty acres of land in the town of Willow Springs…and farmed a little…In 1862 he was mining a little and farming a little but not making much…probably not over ten dollars per month.“ This cross-over between mining and farming is further demonstrated in another affidavit in the file, that of Irishman John J. Ross. Recorded on the 1860 Census as a “Lumber Merchant”, he described himself as a “farmer and miner and speculator.” Also, just because someone was recorded on the census as a farmer did not mean they were not a miner– nor did it mean they were any good at farming. Alfred Dobson, an English born miner who had emigrated in 1845 and had known the Chesterfields since 1848, recalled that John Chesterfield was “a farmer on a small scale and prospecting miner…he prospected for lead ore some, worked on his land a little, and hauled wood to Mineral Point.”He continued: “he was not much of a farmer, his mining did not yield him much income and generally he was not at all prosperous.” John Chesterfield eventually gave up his farm and moved into Mineral Point, where he made whiskey and kept a “grocery or drinking saloon.” As with the other Cornish families seeking a pension, the Chesterfields were able to call on one who had known them in Cornwall for assistance. William Cornelius, a Cornish miner in Mineral Point, made the following statement:

“I came over from England in 1847 with John & Eliza Chesterfield I have lived near them ever since. I have lived in this city since 1847 continuously and John & Eliza Chesterfield have lived here too, except for a while on a farm in Lafayette County and a while on a farm in this County. I have known them intimately all these years.” (9)

Even this limited, partial look at the soldiers of Iowa County offers us an opportunity to gain some insight into the experiences of the Cornish community during the American Civil War. There is much more analysis that could be carried out. As ever, the pension files provide us an excellent opportunity to examine the social aspect of their lives, and the internal community links which these immigrants maintained. I hope to return to this fascinating group of English emigrants again in the not too distant future.

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Crown Engine Houses, Botallack Mines, Cornwall (Damian Shiels)

* Aside from Cornish surname analysis, this was confirmed through biographical data in the pension files, the History of Iowa County, and The Cornish in South-West Wisconsin. The names are: William H. Bennett, Thomas W. Bishop, Richard T. Chesterfield, Richard Gundry, George Harris, Thomas James, William Odgers, Thomas Pascoe, James B. Prideaux, Thomas Priestly, Paul Prisk, Samuel Prisk, Thomas W. Prisk, Henry Rule, John F. Tregea, Leonard Tregea, James Trevillian, William Trevillion, Mathew Trewhella and Josiah H. Tyack.

** None of my work on pensions would be possible without the exceptional effort currently taking place in the National Archives to digitize this material and make it available online via Fold3. A team from NARA supported by volunteers are consistently adding to this treasure trove of historical information. To learn more about their work you can watch a video by clicking here.

(1) Western Historical Company 1881:744, Schwartz 2006:172, Nesbit 1989:153; (2) Copeland 1898:332, 333, Western Historical Company 1881:555; (3) 1860 Census; (4) Ibid.; (5) Ibid.; (6) WC76399, 1860 Census, 1870 Census, Western Historical Company 1881:746, 899; (7) WC1858, 1860 Census, Western Historical Company 1881:548, 865; (8) NC12546; (9) NC12546, 1860 Census;

References

Navy Widow’s Certificate 12546 of Richard Chesterfield, USS Mound City.

Widow’s Certificate 1858 of John Ryall, 31st Wisconsin Infantry.

Widow’s Certificate 76399 of John Tregea, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry.

1860 Federal Census.

1870 Federal Census.

Western Historical Company 1881. History of Iowa County, Wisconsin. 

Wisconsin Legislature. Rosters of the Wisconsin Volunteers, War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865. Vols 1 & 2.

Copeland, Louis Albert 1898. “The Cornish in South West Wisconsin”, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 301-334.

Nesbit, Robert C. 1989. Wisconsin: A History, Second Edition. 

Schwartz, Sharron P. 2006. “Bridging “The Great Divide”: The Evolution and Impact of Cornish Translocalism in Britain and the USA” in Journal of American Ethnic History Vol. 25, No. 2/3, Immigration, Incorporation, Integration, and Transnationalism: Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives (Winter-Spring 2006), 169-189.

The post In Search of Cornish Emigrants in the American Civil War appeared first on Irish in the American Civil War.

Valorous Veterans: Two Medal of Honor Recipients Support Each Other’s Pensions, 1891

 

Of all the Naval and Marine Medals of Honor awarded during the American Civil War, a little over 15% were earned by men born in Ireland. But being recognised for wartime valor didn’t necessarily put bread on the table during the post-war years. Despite their actions, many Medal of Honor recipients did not get an easy ride when it came to claiming a pension. Such was the case for Wexford native Hugh Molloy, who received the Medal of Honor for actions aboard USS Fort Hindman in Louisiana. He was not alone. Another seeking a pension was his shipmate James K.L. Duncan, who earned a Medal of Honor for the same engagement. Intriguingly, both old comrades swore depositions on behalf of the other almost 30 years after they had fought so bravely shoulder to shoulder. These depositions provide an insight into their own experience of these Medal of Honor actions, and of the physical cost which they bore for the remainder of their lives. 

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USS Fort Hindman on which Hugh and James served (Naval History and Heritage Command)

In late February 1864 six boats of the Union Mississippi River Squadron set out on a mission on the Red, Black and Ouachita rivers. Their aim was to disrupt Confederate troop concentrations near the town Harrisonburg, Louisiana. The fleet flagship was the USS Fort Hindman, a steamer which had been converted into what was known as a “tin clad”, described by James Duncan as “1/2 inch iron spiked onto 2 inch poplar or pine back.” On 1st March, near Trinity, the fleet was engaged by Rebel batteries and infantry firing from the riverbanks. Pressing through the fire, the sailors continued forward towards Harrisonburg, but the enemy chose to follow them. The next morning they found themselves once again staring down the barrels of Rebel 12-pounders, which concentrated their fire on the Hindman. Not designed to withstand artillery barrage, the projectiles quickly began to cause considerable damage. Within half an hour she was struck by some 27 missiles, one disabling her starboard engine. As she careened about the river, another shot flew through the thin armour near the Hindman’s No.1 Gun, mortally wounding the first sponger, who dropped his sponge outside of the vessel. One of his comrades working the piece was Hugh Molloy, a 22-year-old Co. Wexford native who had enlisted as a Landsman in Chicago the previous year. Molloy instantly leapt out into the forecastle to recover the sponge, in doing so fully exposing himself to both artillery and musket fire. Remarkably, he chose to stay outside while he sponged and loaded the gun, somehow avoiding being struck by the enemy. It was an action that earned the Irish immigrant the Medal of Honor, which was awarded on 16th April 1864. (1)

Almost as soon as Hugh Molloy had regained the interior of the Hindman, another projectile slammed into the boat, bursting the muzzle of the gun beside Molloy’s. The explosion ignited one of the ship’s cartridges, which was then in the muzzle waiting to be rammed home. Another of the crew, James K.L. Duncan, leapt towards the burning cartridge, yanking it from the barrel. Dashing to the port, he threw the deadly time bomb outside just in time. As he did so it exploded in the air, flinging Duncan backwards. The Pennsylvanian recalled:

When I regained consciousness after the explosion of the cartridge I looked about me in surprise, for there were the men rushing about, loading and firing the guns, but all was inaudible to me. Upon recovering from my amazement I became convinced that I was deaf. This belief was confirmed by the surgeon, who pronounced the drum of my right war completely destroyed, and the other temporarily impaired. (2)

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The Medal of Honor actions of James K.L. Duncan as portrayed in Deeds of Valor (Deeds of Valor)

Along with Hugh Molloy, James K. L. Duncan would receive the Medal of Honor on 16th April 1864. The two were joined in the award by William P. Johnston, another crewman who had exhibited extraordinary courage that day. After their service, these men went back to their daily lives. In Hugh Molloy’s case, that meant returning to his pre-war occupation as a barman in Chicago, while James Duncan began to pursue medical studies. (3)

The wartime recognition these men had received for their valor often did not translate into post-war support for ex-servicemen. Both Molloy and Duncan suffered long-term injuries during the action on 2nd March 1864, but they had to fight hard in their efforts to receive a pension. Just as they had supported each other in the fighting of 1864, the two old comrades also chose to support each other in their petitions to the Pension Bureau almost 30 years later. On 28th April 1891, James gave a statement in support of Hugh’s pension application, outlining the events aboard the Hindman that day. A little less than three months later, Hugh returned the favour, sharing his recollections of the action with the examiners assessing James’s claim. (4)

Both Hugh Molloy’s and James K.L. Duncan’s statements in support of each other’s applications are included below. The first document is Hugh Molloy’s full statement, dated 13th March 1891, which contains lots of interesting detail regarding his life, service, and injuries.

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Medal of Honor Certificate of Hugh Molloy, included in his pension application (Fold3/NARA)

Deposition of Hugh Molloy  13th March 1891

I am 49 years of age, occupation, stock keeper, residence and address 446 Loomis St…I entered the United States Navy as Landsman at Chicago, Ills. about June 15th 1863. I went to Cairo, Ills. and was placed on board the receiving ship “Clara Dolsen” I remained on board of her a week or two. Was next assigned on board the “Conestoga” at Cairo, Ills. Only remained on her a few days then transferred to “Fort Hindman”. I remained on “Hindman” until discharged somewhere round the mouth of the Red River June 21st 1864. I noticed when my discharge was handed to me my name was spelled Melloy instead of Molloy. The latter is the proper way to spell it. I was born in Ireland. At date of enlistment I was in my twenty second year. My occupation was bar tender and clerk. I was about six feet and a quarter of an inch high without my shoes.

I came to America from Ireland in 1860. I located at Joliet Ills. and remained there until 1862. I worked at farming for a Mr. Dorsey (dead). I was not ill before service, did not have medical treatment before service. Was not ruptured before service. Cannot name doctor who examined me at date of enlistment. I was stripped of my clothing and examined thoroughly. Cannot give name of comrades who saw me examined. I claim pension for wounds of my left ankle and leg as the result of a bursting shell, and rupture of the right side as the result of heavy lifting.

While engaged with the enemy and serving on board the U.S.S. “Fort Hindman” at Harrisonburg, La. March 2d 1864 as First Loader on gun number one, a shell exploded which had been thrown by one of the enemies guns quite near me causing many splinters to enter my left leg below the knee. The powder and small particles of iron were driven into my leg. The shell first struck the right of the port hole breaking through the casement in front of which I was standing at the time. I do not know that pieces of the shell struck my leg but I am confident that the contents of the shell which appeared to be like little pieces of boiler iron entered my leg, Shortly after the shell struck the steamer I felt something warm in my shoe and discovered that my leg was bleeding. I continued on duty until the end of the fight. After the fight I washed my leg and tied a rag about it. I had no medical treatment nor was I in the sick bay. My leg was sore during the balance of my service but I was not off duty. The names of comrades on gun number one at date I was wounded were John Kelly (think he is dead) Pat Ryan (dead) Walter P. Johnston (address unknown). Cannot recalled others. I claim that my rupture of the right side was incurred during the same fight when my wound of the left leg was incurred. The rupture was the result of lifting heavy shells. The First Sponger (Pat Conroy, address unknown) being badly wounded I had to do the work without assistance. I discovered my rupture shortly after the fight, just as soon as I had a chance to stand squarely on my feet. I had a peculiar feeling of weakness in my right groin I felt at that point which had the feeling of being a small ball about the size of a hickory nut which could be pushed back with the hand. I tied my handkerchief about my groin with another handkerchief, first against the rupture to hold it back. I did not wear a truss when in service. I had no medical treatment in service for rupture. Was not excused from duty in consequence of rupture. My left leg was mostly affected on the inside and shin. I had no one to help me pick out the splinters at the time, I picked the splinters out…I first noticed that my leg would swell and troubled with varicose veins when in the service. The varicose veins on my left leg below my knee have bothered me in each year since discharge, especially when I stand too long at a time on my leg.

There is an order I hand you which is an official document from the Navy Department (order reads as follows: Navy Dept. April 16. 1864. General Order No. 32. Hugh Molloy, Ordinary Seaman, U.S.S. Fort Hindman. During the engagement hear Harrisonburg, La. Mar. 2d 1864. A shell pierced the bow casement on the right of Gun No. 1, mortally wounding the First Sponger who dropped his sponge out of the port on the forecastle. Molloy instantly jumped from the port to the fore castle, recovered the sponge, and sponged and loaded the gun while outside, exposed to a heavy fire of musketry.) The above is a correct copy of printed circular handed to me. Embraced in the same order, there are several other seamen mentioned for bravery. Seaman also has in his possession a medal granted by special Act of Congress [the Medal of Honor] which has printed on the reverse side these words “For Personal Valor. To Hugh Molloy, U.S. Steamer “Fort Hindman”.

Immediately after discharge I returned to Chicago, Ills. In July 1864 I bought a truss at Bliss and Sharp, druggists. I do not know where they are now. The same year a doctor- Beech (dead) treated me. My left leg was sore and I kept it tied with a linen cloth. Went to Rush Medical College in 1864. Had no treatment, was advised to procure a rubber bandage which I did. Wore it for a while but did not like it as my leg was bound too tightly. I have not had medical treatment for my leg since discharge.

I have resided at Chicago Ills. since discharge except 1891 and 92 when in St. Joe[sph] MO. I have worked in wholesale houses in Chicago since discharge. Have never been able to perform a heavy manual labor on account of my left leg and rupture of right side. (5)

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Hugh Molloy (Gary Urbanowicz, Find A Grave)

Deposition of James K.L. Duncan in support of Hugh Molloy, 28th April 1891

I am personally acquainted with Hugh Molloy, having first met him in Chicago in June 1863 and knew him throughout our service. I enlisted June 26th 1863 as O.S. [Ordinary Seaman] and was assigned to U.S.S. Ft. Hindman about July between 5th and 15th 1863. I served in the same ship until his discharge. I was promoted to Seaman in March 1864 I think.

I do not remember any serious sickness [during Hugh’s service] upon part of claimant, but he was wounded, I think in the left leg, during an engagement with [the] enemy on the 2d day of March 1864. Claimant was injured this way: He was First Loader for Gun No. 1 and I was First Sponger for No. 2 gun. Our battery was called the bow battery and the claimant and myself stood almost side by side during action. During the engagement at Harrisonburgh, La on the date alleged a shell from the enemies guns pierced the walls of the boat near claimant and exploded, causing splinters to pierce the claimant’s left leg. The walls of the boat were protected by about 1/4 of an inch of sheet iron, and the shell in coming through the wall burst off splinters on the inner side, which was composed of about 2 inches of pine or polar wood driving said splinters in the claimants leg. I saw the claimants leg that evening or the next morning, I was an eye witness to the incurrence of the injury. He complained of his leg during the remainder of his service…I cannot say for certain he had a hernia in his right groin. He showed me the hernia at the same time that he showed me the injured leg. How I came to see his injuries after the battle was in this way. We were comparing notes as to the battle and showed each other our injuries. I do not know just how the hernia was incurred, but it developed immediately after the battle. I saw the claimant after discharge in Chicago in 1865 but I do not have as distinct a recollection of any complaints he many have made at that time, as those he made in the service.

Deposition of Hugh Molloy in support of James K.L. Duncan, 23rd July 1891

At the Battle of Harrisonburg La March 2 1864 James KL Duncan was First Sponger of No. 2 gun on the U.S. Steamer Fort Hindman No.13. I was First Loader of No. 1 gun and quiet [sic.] near Duncan. A shell struck he muzzle of No. 2 gun setting fire to cartridge and mortally wounding McNeil Rayburn the First Loader of 2 gun who had just fired it in the gun. Duncan seized it the burning cartridge and threw it overboard, exploding before it landed [in] the water the explosion of the shell destroyed the hearing in his (Duncan’s) right ear and caused him much trouble in the left arm also. In working with him holy stoning decks and other work about the ship I had always to be on his left side so he could hear what I said to him. I met him in Chicago in March 1865 he was then totally deaf in his right ear and was troubled very much in the left one. He was very dizzy at times in stoopin down and raising up quickly would have hol[d] on to something for a mineut or so to keep from falling.

Hugh Molloy

148 Market St

Residence 446 Loomis St. (7)

Eventually both Hugh and James received their pensions. Hugh Molloy passed away on 8th March 1922 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Illinois. James K.L. Duncan had predeceased him by almost a decade, on 27th March 1913, he is interred in Wood National Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Hugh Molloy Memorial (Don Morfe Find A Grave)

*None of my work on pensions would be possible without the exceptional effort currently taking place in the National Archives to digitize this material and make it available online via Fold3. A team from NARA supported by volunteers are consistently adding to this treasure trove of historical information. To learn more about their work you can watch a video by clicking here.

(1) Hugh Molloy Certificate, Deeds of Valor: 53; (2) Deeds of Valor: 55; (3) Hugh Molloy Certificate, James KL Duncan Certificate; (4) Ibid; (5) Hugh Molloy Certificate; (6) Ibid.; (7) James KL Duncan Certificate;

References

Navy Survivor’s Certificate 11565 of Hugh Molloy, Ordinary Seaman, USS Fort Hindman.

Navy Survivor’s Certificate 23709 of James K L Duncan, Ordinary Seaman, USS Fort Hindman.

Beyer, Walter F. and Keydel, Oscar F. 1902. Deeds of Valor: How America’s Heroes Won the Medal of Honor. Volume 2.

Hugh Molloy Find A Grave Memorial

James K.L. Duncan Find A Grave Memorial

The post Valorous Veterans: Two Medal of Honor Recipients Support Each Other’s Pensions, 1891 appeared first on Irish in the American Civil War.

The Battlefield Archaeology of Vinegar Hill

Although this site concentrates on the Irish emigrant experience and where that intersects with the American Civil War, I thought readers may be interested in some work I undertook wearing my other hat– that of a conflict and battlefield archaeologist. I recently had the opportunity to direct some fieldwork at the Vinegar Hill battlefield, the climactic battle of the 1798 Rebellion where a United Irishmen force was defeated by Crown troops, just outside the town of Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

The 1798 Rebellion (which you can read about here), was inspired in part by events in the United States and particularly France, and served as a motivator for generations of Irish nationalists. There are many connections between the battle and America. A number of the British officers who fought there were veterans of the American Revolutionary War, while participants on both sides would later find themselves facing each other during the War of 1812. Indeed quite a number of former United Irishmen would make their way into United States military service. United Irish exiles often named new areas for the iconic battlefield which had defined their rebel experience. As a result, the placename “Vinegar Hill” can now be found as far afield as America and Australia, with examples in Brooklyn, Bloomington and Richmond. With the coming of the American Civil War, some Irish units invoked the spirit of 1798 as they marched off to war.

Wexford County Council has been funding The Longest Day Research Project to explore the archaeology of the battlefield, and I had an opportunity to be part of an international team from Rubicon Heritage Services, Sligo I.T., Cotswold Archaeology and Earthsound Geophysics as we searched for evidence of the fighting that engulfed the hill on 21st June 1798. The results we uncovered are the most impressive to date from any battlefield in the Republic of Ireland, and have been receiving quite a bit of media attention this week ( e.g. here and here). During the most recent phase of fieldwork, I delivered a public lecture on our work, with an introduction discussing the value of battlefield archaeology and details of some of our initial results. That talk is now available on YouTube, which you can have a look at below.

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Dying with the Irish: A Native American, German & Québécois in Irish Regiments

We often view many of the ethnic-Irish ‘green flag’ units of the American Civil War as being completely dominated by Irish-born or Irish-American soldiers. While this was true to varying degrees, all of them also had a proportion of men with no connection to the Emerald Isle. This was particularly the case in the later war years, when new conscripts could be assigned to formations with which they had no specific connection. Some of these men who fought shoulder-to-shoulder with Irish emigrants on the battlefields of the American Civil War were not even native English speakers. In this post we explore the stories of three of them, all of whom lost their lives– along with many of their Irish comrades– as a result of the severe fighting in the summer of 1864.

A Québécois in the Irish Brigade

Joseph Godfroid Bazin was a native French speaker from Pierreville Mills in Yamaska County, Canada. He was one of five children of Antoine Bazin and Catherine Crevier. When his father died in 1859, Joseph took it upon himself to care for his mother, giving up his portion of his inheritance for her benefit. Taking the lead among his siblings, between June 1859 and March 1864 he had given his mother over $600 in financial aid. Joseph supported her by working as a tradesman, but according to one family friend he struggled to find sufficient business in the 1860s, and decided to leave Canada to join the Union army “to more effectually support his mother.” Travelling south, the 26-year-old enrolled on 23rd March 1864 and was assigned to serve with the Irishmen of the 28th Massachusetts, in the Irish Brigade. Within weeks he was marching onto his first– and last– battlefield. The Québécois was severely wounded in the fighting at The Wilderness on 5th May. Amid these awful circumstances, it was fortunate for Joseph’s mother that the Irish Brigade had another French-Canadian present, Father Thomas Willett, Chaplain of the 69th New York. He wrote to her in their native French, translated below.

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Portion of the letter in French written by 69th New York Chaplain Father Thomas Willett to Catharine Crevier in 1864, translation below (NARA/Fold3)

Camp of the 69th Regiment N.Y.Vols., July 5th, 1864

Madam

Having been informed that you desire to receive some news of your son, Jos. Godfrey Bazine, of Co. I, 28th Reg’t Mass., I will endeavor to give you such intelligence as has come to my knowledge.

He was wounded, on the 5th of May, in the leg, I am convinced, quite badly. The doctors were several times on the point of making an amputation but they did not dare to do so, believing that he was too feeble to bear it. He was confessed and received the extreme unction at my hands. Two days after he was transported to Fredericksburg, I believe. I do not know what became of him thereafter. I cannot but believe that he died. He begged me to say to you, that he always loved you, and that you should have this for a voucher that he was in the American army.

May the good God give you the consolation, in your affliction, that, if he is dead, he is not lost to you forever, but that you will be reunited in another world, never to he separated from him.

I am, Madam,

with respect,

your very humble servant,

Thos. Willett, S.J.

Chaplain to the 69th N.Y.

Joseph died in Fredericksburg two days after his wounding. The brevity of his service meant that he had never had an opportunity to send money to his mother “having paid with his life the very first battle he fought for the Republic”, but she did receive a pension based on his sacrifice. (1)

A Deutsch Speaker in Corcoran’s Irish Legion

Franz Bordney served as a private in Company B of the 182nd New York, Corcoran’s Irish Legion. Although he was a native German speaker, it is not clear where on mainland Europe he was born. He was already in his 40s when he enrolled on 2nd October 1862, just a couple of days after having married Fredericka Shrier in a Lutheran ceremony. Originally supposed to be part of the 6th Regiment of the brigade, his company was consolidated into the 69th New York National Guard Artillery (182nd New York Infantry). One of the other soldiers in Franz’s company convinced the couple that they also had to be married “in a military form before it would be legal and enable her to recover his back pay…in case of his decease [sic.].” A number of other soldiers were present when they conducted that ceremony at Camp Scott on Staten Island on 29th October 1862. Franz was with the Irish Legion when they were engaged at the North Anna on 26th May 1864. He was among those captured there, and only scant details survive as to his fate. Other members of the Legion would later state he was imprisoned in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he presumably perished. As part of her pension application, Fredericka submitted a number of letters Franz had written to her from the Legion’s camp– all of them in German. (2)

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One of the letters Franz Bordney wrote to his wife Fredericka from the camp of Corcoran’s Irish Legion, all of them in German. I have as yet not being able to translate them, if anyone is interested in doing so please contact me! (NARA/Fold3)

A Menominee in the 17th Wisconsin

The 17th Wisconsin Infantry are regarded as the most Irish of Wisconsin’s regiments, with a distinct Irish character. But among the rank and file of the unit there were also members of Wisconsin’s Native-American community. During the Civil War an estimated 500-600 Native Americans entered Union service in Wisconsin, all the more remarkable given the majority of them did not have citizen status. One of them was Joseph Wah-Pah-No of the Menominee or Mamaceqtaw tribe. Joseph and his mother Wah-Pah-No-Kiew lived in Shawano, Keshena County, Wisconsin. His father, Wah-Pah-No, had died in 1861, and Joseph had afterwards done his best to assist his mother. On the 20th December 1863 he enrolled in the army and was mustered into Company K of the 17th Wisconsin. The following year he was on the line at Kennesaw Mountain in Georgia when he was shot and killed on 25th June 1864. When Joseph’s mother sought her pension entitlements from the Government, her property “consisted in the individual interest of the common property of the Menominee Tribe of Indians“. She relied on deponents such as William Powell, who had acted as an interpreter for the Menominee for ten years, and Joseph Gauthier, a trader to the Menominee in Keshina to give statements on her behalf and help her secure her entitlements.

The stories of these three men are just a handful of those relating to non-Irish affiliated soldiers who served in ostensibly ‘Irish’ units. Their presence, particularly as non-native English speakers, raises many interesting questions– how did they view their Irish comrades, and how did those Irish comrades view them? Did they suffer any discrimination from their fellow soldiers because of their origins? Did any of them establish an affinity with the Irishmen with whom they fought? Their stories also demonstrate that the history of these Irish regiments is a much broader and more complex one than just that of Irish emigrants.

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Chief Oshkosh, leader of the Menominee until his death in 1858, He negotiated many of the tribe’s Treaties with the United States (Wisconsin Historical Society)

* None of my work on pensions would be possible without the exceptional effort currently taking place in the National Archives to digitize this material and make it available online via Fold3. A team from NARA supported by volunteers are consistently adding to this treasure trove of historical information. To learn more about their work you can watch a video by clicking here.

(1) WC99534; (2) WC129308 (3) WC121855, Wisconsin Veterans Museum 2016: 115;

References 

Widow’s Certificate 99534 of Catharine Crevier, Mother of Joseph Godfriod Bazin, Company I, 28th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

Widow’s Certificate 129308 of Fredericka Bordney, Widow of Franz Bordney, Company B, 182nd New York Volunteer Infantry.

Widow’s Certificate 121855 of Wah-Pah-No-Kiew, Mother of Joseph Wah-Pah-No, Company K, 17th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum/Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs 2016. Wisconsin Blue Book: Wisconsin in the Civil War. 

The post Dying with the Irish: A Native American, German & Québécois in Irish Regiments appeared first on Irish in the American Civil War.

Rebel Prisoners, Fenian Guards: Correspondence from the Phoenix Brigade, Elmira Confederate Prison

Many Irish Fenians enlisted in the Union cause during the course of the American Civil War, seeking to gain military experience in advance of a hoped for military confrontation with the British. None had closer ties to the Fenian cause than the Phoenix Brigade, which entered service as the 99th New York State National Guard in 1864. These men were posted north to guard Confederate prisoners at Camp Chemung, better known as Elmira. Their experiences were recorded by a Fenian writing under the pen name “Eleven Times Nine” and were published in the New York Irish-American Weekly. They are reproduced in full below. 

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General orders for the parade of the Phoenix Brigade, New York Irish American Weekly, 19 October 1861- including a description of their uniforms

The Phoenix Brigade (sometimes referred to as the Phoenix Zouaves) was organised in New York City around the spring of 1859. Forming a part of the new Fenian Brotherhood, the Brigade was intended to serve as a vehicle for training Fenians in the use of arms and military tactics to put to future use in Ireland. It drew its name from the Irish-based Phoenix National and Literary Society run by Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa, which also espoused the liberation of Ireland through physical force. Rossa had proposed the name “Phoenix” to signify that “the Irish cause was again to rise from the ashes of our martyred nationality,” and it became a popular appellation within the Fenian movement. (1)

The main drivers behind the Brigade’s formation were Michael Doheny, Michael Corcoran and Mathew Murphy; another of those involved was Frank Welpley. Two of Doheny’s sons would go on to serve in the American Civil War, while Corcoran, Murphy and Welpley would all lose their lives in Federal service during the conflict– a measure of how severe an impact the Civil War had on members of the Fenian Movement. (2)

When war came, many Phoenix Brigade Fenians went to the front in volunteer regiments, particularly those associated with Corcoran’s Irish Legion, but also in formations such as the Irish Brigade and the 42nd New York “Tammany” Regiment. Despite the loss in numbers, the Phoenix Brigade continued to function in New York and eventually Fenian leader John O’Mahony decided to put the unit forward for state service. The First Regiment, Phoenix Brigade was duly incorporated into the 99th New York State National Guard on 22nd January 1864, with O’Mahony as its Colonel. The newly constituted 99th, which by this point contained a number of American Civil War combat veterans, received its colors on 16th March 1864, in a ceremony described by the Irish-American:

On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day the Irish ladies of New York, according to previous announcement, presented a rich and beautiful Green Flag to the 1st Regiment, Phoenix Brigade, commanded by col. John O’Mahony, and recently mustered into the State service as the 99th National Guard, S.N.Y. The presentation on behalf of the ladies was made in a graceful and happy manner by Miss Doheny, daughter of the late Col. Michael Doheny, and took place in the 7th Regiment Armory, where Col. O’Mahony’s entire command paraded in full uniform, and in the presence of a large number of spectators, amongst whom we noticed many of our most influential and respected citizens. A very elegant sword and sash were at the same time presented by the ladies to Col. O’Mahony…The flag is a splendid piece of workmanship, from the establishment of Messrs. Tiffany & Co. The rich green silk trimmed with gold lace, has on its centre a circle, the upper arc of which is formed by a rainbow (emblem of Hope), and the lower by a wreath of Shamrocks. Within is the Harp of Erin, having immediately above it the Gaelic motto-

Le Fire ‘r neart ár laṁ.

(By truthfulness and the power of arms) (3)

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Headquarters of the Fenian Brotherhood, New York (nypl.digitalcollections.510d47e1-10dd-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99.001.w)

Miss Doheny addressed O’Mahony and his men, telling them how it was unnecessary for her “to point put the duties involved in the sacred trust your untiring devotion to the country, whose memories and hopes this banner represents, is a guarantee that in your keeping it will be perfectly secure. It is equally unnecessary to remind you that the flag of this Republic claims your most immediate attention.” In response, O’Mahony charted the many former men of the Phoenix Brigade who had already given their lives at the front, and noted how devotion to Ireland was not incompatible with devotion to the American Republic, claiming that Irish-Americans had “shown to the world that intense devotion to fatherland is compatible with the most faithful discharge of every duty that may devolve upon an Irish-born citizen of this Republic. Experience has proved that the Irishman who is most loyal to his native land is most loyal to America also. So it shall be with the officers and men of the 99th Regiment.” (4)

As scholars such as Professor Susannah Ural have pointed out, this “dual allegiance” which Doheny and O’Mahony espoused was a core value among those Fenians who served the Union cause. A further insight into these ideological beliefs is observable in the toasts proposed by O’Mahony at the Second Annual Ball of the Brigade, held in the New York City Assembly Rooms on the 6th January 1863:

The United States of America: the home of the exile and the refuge of the oppressed– May the mad discord that is now tearing them asunder be speedily appeased: may they be restored to their integrity, and may their Union and Constitution live unbroken to the end of time.
Ireland: the friend and ally of America, in the hour of America’s need: May her service be remembered and paid back by America, when internal peace shall have returned to her soil.
The Fenian Brotherhood here and elsewhere: May it never relax its labors until its objects be gained.
General Corcoran and the Fenian Brothers in the American Army.
General Meagher and “the soldiers and chiefs of the Irish Brigade” in America.
The Irish soldiers of America: May they prove as true to the land of their birth, as they have been to that of their adoption.
The Press: the terror of tyrants.
The Ladies. (5)

Similarly, when Company E of the Brigade, the “McMahon Guards” celebrated St. Patrick’s Day 1862 at their Drill Rooms on the corner of 22nd Street and 3rd Avenue, Captain O’Grady addressed the assembled crowd as follows:

Ladies and Gentlemen– It is with feelings of the utmost satisfaction and delight that I arise this evening to address you…I feel called upon to speak a few words for your fidelity and untiring energy to forward the cause that we have pledged both heart and hand to attain–(cheers)– the freedom of our native land, and the expulsion of the ruthless Saxons from her shores, and once more enjoy the air of her valleys and the freedom of her hills. As Davis says–

She’s a fair land!

She’s a rare land!

That native land of mine!

Now, ladies and gentlemen, I will conclude by proposing to drink the health of all our countrymen here, in Ireland, and wherever else they may be. (6)

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Fenian leader John O’Mahony as a Colonel of the 99th (American Military Heritage Museum of North Carolina)

Prospective Fenians were regaled with advertisements which made clear the purpose of the endeavour, such as that for Company B of the Brigade, the “Corcoran Guards”:

Co. B, “Corcoran Guards,” 1st Regiment, Phoenix Brigade (99th Regt. N.Y.N.G.), is now under command of Captain Diegnan, who commanded in the 37th Vols., “Irish Rifles.” Young Irishmen desirous of learning the use of arms can do so, by joining this Company. The Company drills every Friday evening at the “Mercer House,” corner of Mercer and Broome-streets. New uniforms will be furnished gratis. Young Irishmen fall into line with the Guards. (7)

Given the ultimate aims of the 99th N.Y.S.N.G., the 100 days service of the regiment at Elmira was of great interest to those readers of the Irish-American invested in the cause of Ireland. With that in mind, the newspaper published a series of letters from the anonymous author “Eleven Times Nine”, sharing the unit’s experiences at the Rebel POW camp. These are reproduced chronologically below.

HEADQUARTERS 99TH REGT., N.Y.S.N.G.,

“1ST REGT., PHOENIX BRIGADE,”

CAMP CHEMUNG, ELMIRA, N.Y.,

AUGUST 22, 1864.

To the Editors of the Irish-American

Gentlemen– As this Regiment has a large number of friends in New York and vicinity, perhaps a few woes about our doings would be interesting to your readers. Since we came here “the Boys” have had plenty of work to do, in the shape of guard duty in the Prisoners’ Camp; which comes rather severe on us at times. We furnish a guard for duty round the prison wall, and a patrol inside; also guards on the buildings inside the walls of the rebel-prison. When I say “prison,” some of your readers imagine, perhaps, a large building with inn-doors, & c. Such is not the case. It is a piece of ground of about three acres, fenced all around; they live in the same kind of tents we use, except a few who are in wooden houses, or sheds, like the old Park Barracks. As dar as I have seen, they are treated very well; their rations are carted on the ground and they cook them themselves, and distribute them also. There is now something like two hundred of them to work on the canal, under a guard; of course they get paid for the work they do in the shape of an order on the sutler. Many of them would like to take the oath of allegiance but they will not be allowed. they are like Yankee pedlars, always having something to sell. they make some very beautiful fans as light as any lady on Broadway carries, from a piece of wood, the only tool used being a knife. If sold on Broadway they would bring a nice little sum, but our boys get them for almost nothing. They also make very fancy rings, breast pins, badges & c. they keep very quiet, never making any trouble, or trying to escape.

The officers and men of this Regiment are frequently invited to dinner in the city and as many parties as they can attend to. Some of the boys do better in this respect than “Mr. Shoulder Strap.” The dinner invitations were quite in time the last week past, as our commissariat was rather behind what it should be; and the boys had to fall back on their friends. Now there will be plenty for them, as we are about to be mustered in a day or two, and expect to get all we want. Soldiering is very nice in good weather; but to-day it is pouring so hard on the tent where I write, and make so much noise, I can hardly hear a person calling me. Everything looks miserable to-day, the company streets are all wood; and the summer houses the boys made of trees in camp are almost destroyed. In fine weather the boys enjoy themselves playing ball, and kicking Captain Gaynor’s football; and sometimes we have a dance after supper; but we always have plenty of vocal music. It is probable we may stay here for one hundred days, and we will enjoy ourselves while we can. But if we go farther we will give a good account of ourselves, while we have such veteran officers as Captains Deignan, Clarke, Sullivan; Lieutenants Brennan and McMahon, and our new Lieut-Colonel Downing [former member of 42nd New York, and arrested along with Rossa in Cork, 1858].

There is a detail going to New York to recruit next week, with Lieutenants Fitzsimons, Connelly and Cashem. Let the recruits not all come at once, but let about fifty more men come and they will have a good time with us. I hope they may find a letter place that the old Armory, in Crosby street, to hang their banner on. Last week we did not see it until Friday, and we looked for it every day. Many of the boys felt very much disappointed,– none more so than

“ELEVEN TIMES NINE.”

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Notice of recruitment for the 99th, New York Irish American Weekly, 17 September 1864

THE NINETY-NINTH REGT. N.Y.S.N.G.

HEADQUARTERS 99TH REGT., N.Y.S.N.G.

“1ST REGT., PHOENIX BRIGADE,”

CAMP CHEMUNG, ELMIRA, N.Y.,

Sept. 2, 1864.

The the Editors of the Irish-American

We are now making ourselves at home, having all the conveniences that volunteer soldiers generally have. We have a sutler to the regiment, of whom we can get the little necessaries we want “on tick,” as the “boys” say,– Mr. “Shoulder-strap” enjoys himself first rate. He has his hotel on the ground, and lives as high as in New York. Since we have been mustered in, we fare much better than before, and have enough of rations, which generally consist of bread, fresh beef, or salt pork, and coffee for breakfast; for dinner, fresh beef and splendid vegetable soup, or bean soup, or both; for supper, coffee and bread. The Quartermaster is getting “posted” and will do better in future. Up to this he has had enough work for three men to do; but now that it is done, we shall get our full due.

Overcoats have been served out to us, and are found very comfortable here at night.– After dark until 9 o’clock in the morning we need them as much as we should on a December day on Broadway.

There was quite an excitement here the other night, caused by an officer who came into camp with a big story about the prisoners trying to get out. He reported that they had dug a tunnel from one of the hospitals outside the prison, that many had escaped, and many more were then getting out, he thought, in other places. Afterwards we found out they had only dug a hole in the ground and were just beginning to work. If they had not been discovered in time, numbers certainly would have escaped, and then we should read in the New York papers a full account of the “Battle of Chemung.” There is not much danger of any large number of them getting out, as they are too well watched.

On the 31st ult., the regiment was mustered for pay, and before long we hope to see the Paymaster, who will bring an abundance of “greenbacks,” which we are now anxiously looking for. It is thought we will see him about the 12th of the month.

It was rumored in camp that we were to be sent to Harrisburg or Washington; but it turned out like all other stories of Dame Rumor. It is not likely we will leave here, at least until some other regiments relieve us, as it comes very hard on those that do guard duty on the prisoners’ camp. If we leave after pay-day, very few will be sorry, though we should regret to leave our new friends in Elmira, who have treated us like old acquaintances; but the boys generally would like to see more of the country.

Since the regiment came here, there has been a new Circle of the Fenian Brotherhood organized in the city. The most respectable Irishmen in the city have joined and pledged themselves that nothing shall separate the Brotherhood which they have organized.– The new Circle hold two meetings in the week until they complete their organization. It is only organized a little more than a week, and gives promise to go ahead of many older ones; in fact it is ahead of some already.

Capt. O’Sullivan and Lieut. Fitzsimons have left for New York on recruiting service.– Young Irishmen wishing to join may apply to them at the armory in Crosby street. We want only fourteen men to fill every company in the regiment. Every company is full but two– Companies B, Capt. Diegnan, and G, Capt. Lynam. The regiment is now 367 strong, all told. Men who wished to escape the draft have a chance now. I must come to a close, as I have to turn out for company drill.

Yours,

ELEVEN TIMES NINE.

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Elmira Prison, where the Fenians of the 99th served on guard duty (Library of Congress)

NINETY-NINTH REGT., N.Y.S.N.G.

HEADQUARTERS 99TH REGT., N.Y.S.N.G.,

ELMIRA, N.Y., Sept. 8, 1864.

Friend Cole- We all regretted your short stay amongst us, on your way home from the Chicago Convention, especially as a very pleasant affair came off at our officers’ mess the day following your departure. The 19th Regt., Veteran Reserve Corps came from Washington to our camp ground on the 7th inst. As the officers had no quarters, and were evidently not to be supplied with any (as they were destined to be distributed in a day or so,) Col. Downing and his officers tendered and invitation to the officers of the 19th to dine at our mess. Amongst their officers is Major Donovan, formerly of the 69th Regt., Irish Brigade, and many others, veteran friends of our officers. The invitation was accepted by Col. Dayton, for himself and his officers, and the result was a pleasant, cordial reunion of these “heroes of many battles,” and their friends of the 99th. Toasts were drank, speeches made, partaking of the characteristics of American and Irish effusions. “The memory of our fallen brethren” was responded to in the most feeling and genuine manner, and the only unpleasant occurrence in connection with the whole affair, was the reflection that the “gallant Nineteenth” were about to leave us. After the banqueting was over our officers, at the invitation of Col. Dayton, visited the camping ground of the 19th, where they were received in a handsome manner, the splendid band of the “Veterans” welcoming them as they came. Having waited to witness the dress parade of the Regiment, the 99th bade adieu to their friends of the 19th, and retired to their encampment. I cannot recollect a more graceful or cordial event than this I have described.

Our Regiment, as you know, is in fine health. We have lacked the attendance of a chaplain up to this time, and as we have about 800 to 1,000 Catholic soldiers all around us, Col. O’Mahony and his officers concluded last week to wait upon the Rev. Mr. Cavanagh, of this city, in relation to the matter. Father Cavanagh brought the subject before the Right Rev. Bishop Timon, of Buffalo, and Lieut. Col. Downing and myself had the honor of waiting upon the Bishop and getting from him a promise that we should have a chaplain within a few days. I hope, therefore, to be able to give you an account very soon of an open air Mass in the camp of the 99th. Father Cavanagh has done all he could to accommodate our men and officers up to this time; but he is there without any coadjutor, and has a large and extensive parish to attend to. You have a regular correspondent in this Regiment, from whom, I presume, you will have a detailed account of sayings and doings in “Camp Chemung.”

Yours very truly,

PHILIP O’HANLON, JR.

W.L. Cole, Esq., Editor IRISH-AMERICAN.

P.S.- great credit is due to the caterer for the mess, Mr. Lynch, of Elmira, who is really a good fellow, and upon a very short notice got up a splendid and well appointed dinner.

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Affection for the Fenian cause also offered an opportunity for profit. This “Fenian Map of Ireland” was advertised in the Irish American during the Civil War (New York Irish American Weekly)

From Our Regular Correspondent.

HEADQUARTERS 99TH REGT., N.G.S.N.Y.,

(1ST REGT. PHOENIX BRIGADE,) CAMP CHEMUNG, ELMIRA, N.Y.,

Sept 17, 1864.

To the Editors of the Irish-American:

Since my last, nothing has transpired of much importance that would be interesting to your readers beyond a grand reception given by the officers of the 99th to those of the 19th Regt. Veteran Reserve Corps. The officers were entertained by the officers of the 99th at their Mess Room. The veteran officers of the 99th recognized in them old companions who fought with them on many a well contested battle-field in the Irish Brigade, Irish Legion, and the gallant old 69th. It was a meeting between old friends that will not soon be forgotten by either party. The 19th Regt. did not stay long, but I have no doubt they will remember it as long as the 99th. Your correspondent was not in camp at the time, so cannot give details.

The nights are now beginning to get very cold and we need our overcoats, blankets, and a [illegible] extra clothing. Some of the boys have built fire-places in their tents and are quite comfortable at night. The best fire-place in camp is one built by Capt. Deignan.- He has his tent as neat as a little country cottage: he built a chimney that is conspicuous in the camp, and shows he is quite as adept at house building as he is in the art of arms. I must not forget to mention another beautiful canvas cottage belonging to Lieut. McMahon, who has his tent ornamented with evergreens, & c., and a grass plot outside: he is also an old soldier.

There have been two rival clubs organized in camp- the object being mutual benefit and enjoyment– one, “The Knights of Chemung,” of which Capt. McDonough is the presiding officer, or, “The Great I Am,” as he is called. Our rollicking Adjutant, Norris, is the scribe. They had a very interesting time a few evenings ago, on the occasion of a very sociable meeting in the Mess Room, enlivened by wine, songs and declamation, after which they adjourned to dance the “War dance,” dressed in all kinds of fantastic garbs. The other association is the “Knights of the Shamrock,” also organized for social enjoyment and improvement, and is almost the same as the “Knights of Chemung,” but with this difference– they meet three times a week for improvement and debate in military tactics, and every member must wear the “chosen leaf” at all meetings for social enjoyment, and also when they meet for improvement in drill, and debate on military matters. They all have “knightly titles,” and if any member calls another by any other, he is fined as the “Order” may direct; but the fine is imposed only at meetings and in the Mess Room. Capt. Deignan is President; and Lieut. Power, Secretary. If any member should be intoxicated (which has never been the case yet), he is fined very heavily.

Last evening, when we were in the line at dress parade, a great commotion was caused by a report that the rebels had broken out. The soldiers who were out of the camp came running in double quick time to seize their arms; the long roll was beat in some of the other regiments at the same time. Lieut. Col. Downey gave the order to load at will, and we stood for about ten minutes expecting orders, after which we went through the parade. It turned out to be a hoax; not event an attempt was made by the “Johnnies” to get out. They had a good laugh at us afterwards when they heard of the excitement we were all in. If any considerable number of them did chance to get out at the time, they would not have much chance of escape. There are so many soldiers at this post, that it is doubtful if one hundred would escape, if every on in the prison did get out: but there are many who would not escape to join the rebel army if they had a chance. Some say they are not in favor of the rebels, and never were, but were forced into the army, and were glad when taken prisoners. They now get as much to eat as when in Dixie, and are quite satisfied, but for the confinement, which is not agreeable to any man.

The Paymaster has not yet made his appearance; but we expect he soon will.

Quite a large squad of recruits came up from New York this week, and were very much pleased with the camp. After this week no more will be accepted, unless we stay one hundred days more, which is not likely. It was rumored that all the militia who would volunteer one hundred days more to guard the prisoners would receive a bounty of $100; while some make it $150. Many of the boys are quite willing to stay; but it is doubtful if we do, as an organization.

This week a squad went to guard substitutes to the front, under Lieut. Power.

We will not be in New York at election, but we mean to vote for George R. McClellan, who is our man, and every soldier’s man at this post. If New York does the same for McClellan at the poles as Elmira will, there need be no doubt of the election of “Little Mac.”

ELEVEN TIMES NINE.

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‘The Fenian Banner’, 1866 (Library of Congress)

NINETY-NINTH REGT., N.G.S.N.Y.

HEADQUARTERS 99TH REGT., N.G.S.N.Y., CAMP CHEMUNG, ELMIRA, N.Y.,

October 7th, 1864.

To the Editors of the Irish-American:

Gentlemen– We are still in the same place, and doing the same duty– guarding the “Johnny Rebs,” substitutes, and “bounty jumpers,” who are in hospital. Some of these fellows have made a trade of cheating the government, by enlisting and getting Uncle Sam’s greenbacks, and then they skedaddle the first chance they get. Very often they pretend to be sick, in order to be sent to the hospital. Some jump off the cars when on the way to the front, and are fired at by the guards and wounded before they see the enemy. There are many such cases now in the hospital here. The city is full of bounty jumpers and recruiting agents, who try to enlist men, and afterwards try to get them away for a consideration.

Our regiment has been much improved in discipline and drill; as, however, we formerly drilled three times a day, one is now dispensed with, so that we have but company drill in the morning, and battalion drill for about two hours and a half in the afternoon, under Lieut.-Col. Downey, a veteran tactician; after which comes dress parade.

The proper authorities in New York should see that our regimental armory is repaired and put in shape the time we get home. It is a shame they have not attended to it before now. As it is, we will have to put a guard over our arms when we get home. During six months before we entered the United States’ service, some companies paid for their own drill rooms. This should not be; we should have all we are entitled to. It is the fault of the Board of Supervisors that we have not an armory to drill. We have been a militia regiment now about one year, and have not our State uniforms yet. Whose fault is this? The proper authorities should see that we have all we are entitled to from the State at the expiration of our term of service.

The new Circle of the Fenian Brotherhood in Elmira is getting along famously. It was organised about six weeks ago. Last week the Circle had a ball; most of the officers of the 99th attended, with some others of the militia regiments stationed here; and all seemed to enjoy themselves well, and were much pleased. Nothing was left undone by the managers– Messrs. Sullivan, McCarthy & Co.– for the comfort and enjoyment of all present. The New Yorkers were a little puzzled when the dancing commenced, the figures are so much different from the style we are used to; but after a while some were quite “O.K.” Before we go home, the “Knights of the Shamrock” propose giving a theatrical entertainment in camp. We have some professional actors in the regiment, and no doubt but we will have an interesting time.

The weather here, so far, is very fine considering the season of the year, and the days are pleasant and agreeable; but the nights are rather cold without overcoats; but the men do not mind that much, when they have a large fire, plenty of music, songs, and dancing, as we generally have every night. A few evenings ago, Co. G had quite a large party in their quarters, which ended after ten o’clock. They had Irish reels, jigs, quadrilles, &c., also declamations and songs. As I write, Co. B is projecting a dance in their quarters. The boys are in the best of spirits, and enjoy themselves as well as at a New York ball, if one can judge by looks. If our New York friends could look on for half an hour, when our dancing parties are going on, they could not help enjoying themselves. Soldiering is not quite so bad as some persons at home think. Every evening the boys have some new sport, either a dance or social gathering, to pass away the “dull hours” of camp life, although the hours are not dull here.

“We take a flight

Towards Heaven at night,

And leave dull earth behind us.”

The rebel prisoners have been at work again tunnel digging. This morning an underground passage was discovered, leading outside their camp, where several must have gout out last night. A few were captured, and are in close confinement in No. 1 Barracks.

ELEVEN-TIMES-NINE.

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Many Fenians of the Phoenix Brigade elected to join active units, particularly Corcoran’s Irish Legion. Soldiers of the 170th New York Infantry, Corcoran’s Irish Legion during the Civil War (Library of Congress)

NINETY-NINTH REGT., N.G.S.N.Y.

CAMP 99TH REGT. N.G.S.N.Y., CAMP CHEMUNG, ELMIRA, Oct. 29, 1864.

To the Editors of the Irish-American

Gentlemen– The weather in this part of the country has been very fine and agreeable until yesterday, when it commenced to rain in torrents. Almost before the guards arrived at their post they had their clothes wet through. There was to be a grand review of troops yesterday afternoon, but it had to be put off on account of the inclemency of the weather. Our men were busy the preceding days washing, polishing, and brightening their arms and accoutrements, to make a good appearance; every man was clean, and in the best of trim; when they woke up in the morning, all the work was to no purpose; the muskets and brasses were all rusty; belts and shoes and cartridge boxes were wet and dirty, and, in some cases, their clothes were wet through. It continued to rain all day, until 10 o’clock this morning. Some of the tents fell down, and the owners of them had a very unpleasant putting them up.

Our term of service is rapidly coming to a close; we have only twelve days more to service. Our time is up on the 10th of November, just late to loose our votes for McClellan. We are told we cannot vote unless we are in New York City, or out of the State, on election day.

The commandant of the post has expressed his desire to have all the militia regiments volunteer for one hundred days more. By what I have heard the men in the other regiments say, the would stay one hundred days more if there is a bounty offered, and barracks built. If the barracks were built, and a bounty offered I have no doubt but all the regiments here would re-enlist in a body. There are wooden huts being built for the rebel prisoners, and I have no doubt but the Government will build the same for the soldiers guarding them, if asked to stay. The rebels are becoming very restless here lately in their eagerness to escape; almost every day some new plan is discovered they had made to escape. This week another tunnel was discovered partly made, but the workers were not found out. Last night, Corporal Herrick, of Co. B, discovered two coming out with his relief; they had on the blue pantaloons and cap, and an oil blanket like our men, and would have got away but for the vigilance of the corporal in counting the men. When they found they were discovered, they ran away, and only one was caught, and accommodated with quarters in the guardhouse.

There has been another new club organized by the officers, entitled the “Social Seven.” It was organized by seven officers. hey gave their first social hop last Tuesday evening, in their mess-room; the dancing continued until a late hour, when they adjourned for refreshments, where song, wit, and hilarity prevailed; during the latter part of their jollification, the long roll was beat, and the “Social Seven” were out in double quick time, with their commands, and awaiting orders from head-quarters. After waiting about fifteen minutes, the brigade commander came and ordered the Regiment to its quarters, to be ready to turn out at a moment’s notice. We are now getting used to such false alarms. We have generally two every week. The “Social Seven” give a hop every evening, when the dancing is kept going until tattoo. The officers are– President, Capt. J.D. Clarke; Secretary, Lieut. J.T. Fitzsimons; Treasurer, Capt. A.J. Diegnan. Long after our term of service has expired, we shall recall with pleasure the many happy reminiscences of the 99th. If the Regiment returns to New York at the expiration of our term, we are to have a grand ball at the Academy of Music, or some other spacious Hall, instead of the one the “Knights of the Shamrock” were to have in camp. The rain has now stopped, and the day is turning off clear and bright. Fatigue parties are cleaning up the camp, while the others are cleaning up their tents, muskets and accoutrements, for inspection to-morrow and the weather-interrupted review that will probably come off on Monday or Tuesday. There are white gloves coming from New York for the Regiment, and we expect to make a good appearance. To-morrow we will have Mass in our camp; it is two weeks since we had Mass in camp before. There is only one clergyman in this city; but the traveling priests who visit the country villages visit our camp. We have visits from the priest in Elmira very often, and he invites us to church.

Yours,

“ELEVEN TIMES NINE.” (8)

The correspondence of “Eleven Times Nine” offers a fascinating insight into the camp service of this group of Fenians, as they sought both to aid the American Republic and gain soldierly experience to take home to Ireland. We will return to the topic of Fenians in the Union military in a follow on post, which will look at links between members of O’Donovan Rossa’s Phoenix National and Literary Society and the American Civil War.

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At the war’s conclusion, Fenian efforts ramped up in preparation for action. This advertisement of 20 May 1865 highlights the different meetings, including those of the Phoenix Zouaves (New York Irish American Weekly)

(1) Savage 1868:225, Rossa 1898:149; (2) Savage 1868:225, Kane 2002:104; (3) Irish American 6 February 1864, Irish American 26 March 1864; (4) Ibid.; (5) Irish American 17 January 1863; (6) Irish American 29 March 1862; (7) Irish American 13 February 1864; (8) Irish American 3 September 1864, 10 September 1864, 24 September 1864, 22 October 1864, 5 November 1864;

References & Further Reading

New York Irish American Weekly. 29 March 1862, 17 January 1863, 6 February 1864, 13 February 1864, 26 March 1864, 3 September 1864, 10 September 1864, 24 September 1864, 22 October 1864, 5 November 1864.

Bruce, Susannah Ural 2006. The Harp and the Eagle: Irish-American Volunteers and the Union Army, 1861-1865.

Kane, Michael 2002. ‘American Soldiers in Ireland, 1865-67’ in The Irish Sword: The Journal of the Military History Society of Ireland Volume 23, No. 91.

O’Donovan Rossa, Jeremiah 1898. Rossa’s Recollections.

Savage, John 1868. Fenian Heroes and Martyrs.

The post Rebel Prisoners, Fenian Guards: Correspondence from the Phoenix Brigade, Elmira Confederate Prison appeared first on Irish in the American Civil War.